Scouts
life
Inspired by Father Chalhoub, Simon benefited from a very
strong scouts’ education within St. – John
the Baptist’ Clan. Helped by Bechara Khabsa, the
chief of his team, he prepared his scouts promise, which
he made in Bkerkeh on May 27, 1978. Then he had his "
First Eve " in Ghosta on January 20, 1979, following
a load of reflection accompanied by Edouard Bourji. On
January 26, 1979, with Samir Farhat as godfather, he was
awarded by his Clan the totem of Joyous Jackal. The following
day, he took charge of the Flame team. His mandate as
a chief of team ended on November 15, 1980, at the end
of a weekend where he pledged to be assistant Chief of
Clan. On August 1st, 1981, in the pine grove of Harissa,
he assumed the responsibility of Chief of St.- John’s
Clan in a celebration during which Edward Bourgi was nominated
Chief of Group and Fadi Barhouche started his journey
on the “Road”.
In parallel, Simon assumed, from October 1980, the functions
of national assistant Commissioner of the Road Branch
of the Scouts of Lebanon during three consecutive years.
At that time, the National Commissioner of the Road Branch
was Salameh Hosahymeh, former Chief of St. - John the
Baptist Clan.
These obligations ended on August 4, 1984, during a closing
ceremony held in the Apostles’ College where he
transmitted the torch to Youssef Zgheib who became assistant
chief of Group. Few months later, on December 23, 1984,
he was named Chief of Group during the Christmas fiesta
in the College. He remained in this function for one year
and on December 23, 1985 passed over the title to Kamal
Zakhour.
Saturday May 26, 1984 marked the climax of his scouts
itinerary. On that day, in the forest of Harissa, under
his godfather Michel Sakr's understanding look, and after
receiving the joint blessing of Father Chalhoub, his scouts
example and spiritual mentor, and of Mgr Roland Abou Jaoude,
former troop Chief, Simon took the “Road”.
This event marked the apogee of a rich scouts course lived
in a merely Christian authenticity and fidelity.
The following day of his departure was a true date - hinge
in his life. That Sunday, during a Mass of graces in Chnaniir,
in the domain of the Choueiri, he announced to the scouts’
community, in presence of his scouts and sacerdotal godfather,
Father Sami Bteiche, Lebanese missionary, the decision
that will pleasantly surprise all the attending audience,
including his parents: to commit himself to follow the
ways of the Lord and become a priest. From this day on,
he was to inaugurate a new chapter far more luminous of
his life so penetrated by the Redeemer's presence. |
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