Virgin Mary. This is happening while pogroms are being waged everywhere against Christians. "El Adra, El Adra!” (The Blessed Virgin!) This cry in Arabic bursts out as soon as the luminous form believed to

merit of its beauty and charm, this comparison to Mary, the most radiant of creatures.” Our Lady, or Adra (Virgin) as she is lovingly called, is never far from a Maronite’s lips. Before or after the Divine [...] Liturgy is celebrated, it is commonplace for the faithful to venerate her icon and recite the ZiaH al-Adra, a traditional hymn which honours her as Mother of God. The rosary and litany are prayed faithfully

part in the traditional procession in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, popularly called Taalat al-Adra, the 'Ascent of the Virgin' on April 29, 2019. Along the route which runs from the Latin parish of