First Official Meeting of Friends of the Lebanese Franciscan Sisters of the Cross – Lebanon December 3, 2025 | Saydet El Beit – Bkennaya On December 3, 2025, the Friends of the Lebanese Franciscan Sisters of the Cross – Lebanon (FLFS–Lebanon) held their very first official meeting at Saydet El Beit in Bkennaya, marking the launch of this new chapter of support for the Congregation. Thirty-four members from diverse professional backgrounds gathered alongside Mother Marie Makhlouf, Mrs. Rita Makhlouf, Mr. Khalil Kanaan, and Dr. Cezar Bassim. The meeting opened with a presentation highlighting the Sisters’ mission across 19 institutions and the urgent challenges they face. Mrs. Rita Makhlouf shared the story of FLFS, which began in the United States in 2021 and is now expanding to Lebanon as a vital step in strengthening local support. A clear three-year vision was introduced, built on four pillars: financial fundraising, in-kind donations, educational sponsorships, and infrastructure rehabilitation. An update on the legal registration process confirmed that the association’s constitution will be finalized before the end of 2025, with public fundraising activities to follow official legalization. Four working committees were officially launched: • Media & Communications • Fundraising & In-Kind Donations • Events • Advisory / Infrastructure The meeting concluded with gratitude and a shared commitment to transparency, structure, and teamwork. December 3, 2025, will be remembered as the day FLFS–Lebanon officially began its mission united in faith and dedicated to supporting the Lebanese Franciscan Sisters of the Cross in serving the most vulnerable.