Al-Rahi in Qatar to Lay Cornerstone for Maronite Church

Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi arrived Thursday in the Qatari capital Doha on a pastoral visit during which he will lay the cornerstone for the Saint Charbel Church, Lebanon's National News Agency said.

Speaking to reporters, al-Rahi thanked Qatar for “offering a land lot for the construction of the Saint Charbel Church.”

Qatar's cooperation “strengthens ties between the two countries,” the patriarch added, noting that “saints have the ability to unite people.”

Extending gratitude to Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, al-Rahi said: “He knows that Saint Charbel reinforces the great friendship between Qatar and Lebanon, and we as Lebanese must fortify this friendship whether we live in Qatar or in our homeland.”

Saluting Lebanese expats in Qatar, the patriarch noted that they “feel at home” in the small Gulf country.