On December 3, 2025, Our Lady of the Well Convent inBkennaya hosted the first meeting of the FLFS-Lebanon Association,under the patronage of the General Superior, Mother Marie Makhlouf. Themeeting was attended by the President of the Association, Dr. CezarBassim, Mrs. Rita Makhlouf and her husband Mr. Khalil Kanaan,founders of the same initiative in USA. Approximately 35 members fromdiverse professional backgrounds participated in the gathering, which washonored by the blessing of His Excellency Bishop César Essayan, ApostolicVicar of the Latins in Lebanon.This meeting marked a foundational step in strengtheningsupport for the human and spiritual mission of the Lebanese FranciscanSisters of the Cross. A presentation highlighted the breadth of their servicesacross 19 institutions in Lebanon and abroad, as well as theessential role they play in caring for and accompanying the human person,particularly the most vulnerable and those in need. Mrs. RitaMakhlouf also retraced the development of the initiative, which waslaunched in the United States in 2021, and now expanded to Lebanon withthe aim of building a local support network for this mission. A three-yearstrategic vision was presented, structured around four main pillars: resourcedevelopment and fundraising, the provision of in-kind assistance, support forstudents attending the schools of the Congregation of Lebanese Franciscan Sistersof the Cross, the rehabilitation of institutional infrastructure. To supportthe implementation of this vision, four specialized workingcommittees were established. Subsequently, the attorney Roy AbouChedid presented an update on the progress of the procedures related tothe legal registration of the Association.The meeting concluded in an atmosphere of gratitude andhope, with a renewed commitment to transparency, structured work, andcooperation, in order to strengthen the mission of the Lebanese FranciscanSisters of the Cross in service of the human person.