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March 24 - Islamic-Christian celebration to honour the Virgin Mary, symbol of national unity

Article: Ecumenical Movement - Other Religions Uniting With Roman Catholics

On the occasion of the Feast of the Annunciation, Lebanon's government launches a joint Christian-Muslim celebration in honour of Mary who is venerated in both communities. In the square in front of Lebanon's National Museum a statue of Our Lady will be erected surrounded by a crescent. The initiative might be extended to other countries.

Tomorrow 25 March will be the first "Islamic-Christian Day" in honour of the Virgin Mary, L'Orient-Le Jour reports today in an article signed by Fady Noun, who notes that the new festivity will fall on the Feast of the Annunciation of Mary according to the Christian liturgical calendar.

"Together around Mary, Our Lady," is the title chosen for the celebration, which will be more of a national event than a religious one. At present it is not a statutory holiday but it could become one in "the near future, in addition to traditional celebrations of the Annunciation."

"It will make the Virgin Mary, who is revered by Muslims and Christians alike, a factor of unity among Lebanese of every faith," the French-language daily wrote.

The square where the statue will be located is actually a major intersection and might be renamed in honour of the Virgin Mary. The statue itself would "reproduce a stylised Virgin Mary surrounded by a crescent moon," Islam's symbol par excellence. A religious ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow in the chapel of Our Lady College in Jamhour, during which "Christians and Muslims will be able to pray together to the Virgin Mary." In addition to prayers, there will be songs, psalms, sacred music, testimonials, readings, as well as audio and video tapes.

Organisers, according to the Lebanese paper, hope that their "initiative will lead to more." Contacts have already been made so that next year "similar ceremonies could be held in six other countries, namely Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Poland, Italy and France."