Dear Members & Friends, 

The situation in Lebanon has deteriorated so much that one of the longest serving humanitarian organizations in Lebanon, over 91 years, is at the brink of collapse requiring urgent and sustained help.

The Lebanese Franciscan Sisters of the Cross (جمعية راهبات الصّليب) manages the largest network of non-profit institutions in Lebanon caring for mentally ill and physically disabled people from all religions and backgrounds. Among their most prominent institutions are the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross (Deir El-Saleeb), the Hospital of the Sisters of the Cross and St. Joseph Hospital.

The Ministry has historically relied, in large part, on government support for most of its funding. Unfortunately, the Lebanese government is failing comprehensively on its obligations, threatening the survival of this essential mission and putting the more than 3,000 patients, 3,000 students and 1,700 employees and their families in grave danger.

The WLCU Boston Chapter is humbly reaching out to all of our friends and members in support of the Ministry's mission and to help spread the word in these challenging times.

We invite you to join this 30 min informational Zoom call with Mrs. Rita Makhloof Kenaan, Founder of US based Friends of the Lebanese Franciscan Sisters of the Cross ( FLFS ), and former Lebanon's General counsel in NY Mr. Majdi Ramadan, FLFS board member, who will discuss the current situation and introduce the FLFS work in support of the Sisters’ mission. 

We hope you will be able to join us for this important call.

Time: Feb 24, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting:  https://us05web.zoom.us/j/86499138295?pwd=cVk3OTRXZXhUU0FKaHc4WlZxZUc4dz09

Meeting ID: 864 9913 8295
Passcode: e5J36r

Please spread the word, and feel free to forward this invitation.

You can donate directly on the website (FLFS) or by check addressed to the Eparchy of Saint Maron, 109 Remsen St., Brooklyn, NY 11201, and add in the memo “for the Lebanese Franciscan Sisters of the Cross”. 

The Lebanese Franciscan Sisters of the Cross (LFS) is a congregation of 170 nuns that manages the largest network of non-profit institutions in Lebanon. In total, 19 institutions serve 1550 mentally and physically disabled persons, 170 orphans, 800 elderly suffering from Alzheimer’s and chronic mental illnesses in addition to educating more than 2000 students mostly from underserved communities. The network employs more than 1750 professionals ranging from doctors, nurses, teachers, and a variety of other staff functions.



The institutions welcome and care for people from all confessions and nationalities. More than half of the long-term in-patients are non-Christians. Among the most prominent institutions are the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross -Deir El-Saleeb, the Hospital of the Sisters of the Cross and St. Joseph Hospital 

Historically, the Congregation has relied in large part on government support for many of its needs. Unfortunately, the said support that has been minimal recently is threatening the survival of this crucial mission which serves more than 3,000 patients, 3,000 students and 1,700 employees and their families.

As you know, Lebanon is going through an unprecedented economic and political crisis. The Lebanese currency lost more than 90% of its value, refugees account for almost half of the population, and capital control is exercised nationwide. To make matters worse, a very large explosion in Beirut in August 2020 caused significant damage to some of the Congregation’s institutions.

The World Bank ranked the economic and financial crisis in Lebanon in the top 3 most severe crises episodes globally since the mid-nineteenth century. Today, as we see Lebanon passing through these difficult times, together we need to avert a large-scale humanitarian crisis and a mass exodus of Lebanese talent. Supporting institutions like the LFS can go a long way in making that possible.

Your support for the Sisters, through a financial contribution and/ or through spreading the word within your networks, about their mission and their dire situation is critically needed and much appreciated. 

The Friends of the Lebanese Franciscan Sisters of the Cross (FLFS) was formed by a small group of volunteers of Lebanese origin to support the honorable and essential humanitarian mission that the Franciscan Sisters of the Cross lead in Lebanon. Its sole purpose is to secure a sustainable source of assistance for the Sisters in support of their mission's daily vital needs as well as to help rehabilitating and maintaining the existing facilities. FLFS is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization based in NYC and incorporated in Washington D.C. It's currently awaiting the 501c3 certification from the IRS. 

His Eminence, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, his Excellency, Bishop Gregory Mansour, and his Excellency, Bishop Elias Zaidan, along with General Superior Sister Marie Makhlouf serve on the Honorary Board of the organization

You can donate directly on the website (FLFS) or by check addressed to the Eparchy of Saint Maron, 109 Remsen St., Brooklyn, NY 11201, and add in the memo “for the Lebanese Franciscan Sisters of the Cross”. 

Please note: Your tax-deductible contributions to the Sisters will go through the Eparchy of Saint Maron – Brooklyn.