‘Apostolic Journey to Lebanon’ with Pope Benedict and EWTN

If you have EWTN on your local cable TV lineup, you may find this interesting:


 When Pope Benedict XVI announced he would make a three-day trip to Lebanon Sept. 14-16, some people expressed concern for his safety because of the many Syrian refugees who have been flooding the country. But the Pope would have none of it.

Vatican Spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J. says the Pope will use the visit to promote “a positive message of peace” in the region and to show solidarity with Middle Eastern Christians. During the visit, he will also sign his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on the Church in the Middle East, a direct response to the deliberations of the Synod of Bishops of the Middle East held October 2012 at the Vatican. EWTN is the only place you can see it all LIVE!

Here’s a run-down of what to expect:

• Visit to the Basilica of St. Paul: Airs live at 11 a.m. ET, Friday, Sept. 14, with an encore at 10 p.m. ET.
• Meeting with Government Officials and Representatives of Major Religions: Airs live at 4 a.m. ET, Saturday, Sept. 15 with an encore at 5 a.m. ET. During this time, the Holy Father will meet with the President of Lebanon, the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Parliament, as well as with heads of Muslim communities before making an address to political and cultural leaders.
• Meeting with Youth: Airs live at 11 a.m. ET, Saturday, Sept. 15, with an encore at 10 p.m. ET. The meeting will take place in the square across from the Maronite Patriarchate of Bkerke.
• Mass & Angelus: Airs live at 2:30 a.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 16, with an encore at 11 a.m. ET. The celebration will take place at Beirut City Centre Waterfront. It is there, the Pope will consign the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation.

That’s not all. If you’d like to understand more about the land which the Pope is visiting, tune in to these documentaries:

• “Lebanon: Island of Christianity:” Explores the rise and present status of Christians and Muslims in the Middle East. Airs 12:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, Sept. 15, with an encore at 11:30 p.m. ET. (30 min.)
• “Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon: Ancient Roots…New Soil:” An introduction to the Maronite rite of the Church in America featuring interviews with pastors and parishioners from various Maronite parishes throughout the Midwestern U.S., who speak about their rite and their faith. Airs 2 a.m. ET, Sunday, Sept. 16. (30 min.)