Brad: For the first time in over a decade and a half, the Maronite Church in Syria celebrated a solemn Mass at the historic St. Maron’s Shrine in Brad, a village northwest of Aleppo. The occasion marked a spiritual revival at one of the region’s most revered Christian sites, located in the famed “Dead Cities.”
The pilgrimage, organized by the Maronite Scouts, brought together more than 80 participants of all ages, reigniting devotion at the ancient shrine. Leading the liturgy, Father Ghandi Mahanna reminded the faithful that “the true presence of God is found in every human heart,” encouraging them to live out their faith through acts of love and compassion.
The group also visited the nearby ruins of St. Simeon the Stylite’s Church and the cave chapel once inhabited by the hermit Toufic Ajib, both sites having endured partial damage during Syria’s recent conflicts.
Accompanied by security forces to ensure a safe journey, the pilgrims expressed optimism that religious tourism in Syria could soon revive, affirming that despite the hardships of war, “Syria was beautiful, and still is.”
This Mass not only marked the return of worship to a historic site but also symbolized resilience, faith, and hope for the revival of Syria’s rich Christian heritage.