The Christmas season is a time of joy, hope, and faith. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, spreading love and kindness to those around them. In the small town of Kfardebian, Lebanon, a group of individuals has taken this spirit of togetherness to new heights, with an exceptional event that aims to make history and spread a message of hope for their nation.
Under the patronage of Béchara Boutros Raï, Maronite patriarch of Antioch and all the East, the Sacred Hearts School in Kfardebian is hosting a continuous Christmas hymn recital lasting 170 uninterrupted hours. This initiative, organized by Sandra Akiki, has been inspired by a divine call to break a world record and inscribe the name of Lebanon in the Guinness World Records.
But this event is not merely about numbers or long hours of singing. It is a collective act of faith, a cultural and spiritual message declaring that the country, despite its wounds, is still capable of raising its voice in joy. And the Christmas recital at Sacred Hearts School is a true testament to this.
In an interview with ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-news partner, Akiki shed light on the background of this extraordinary event and its spiritual and cultural motivations. Being a theater and music teacher at the school, she described the idea for the recital as a “divine inspiration.” She also emphasized that students played a significant role in making this event a reality, along with the strong support from the Church at both the pastoral and diocesan level.
It was not an easy task to organize a recital that would last for seven consecutive days, given the strict rules imposed by Guinness World Records. One of the requirements was to have at least 12 people present in the hall at all times, and the dioceses helped in organizing attendance schedules to ensure that the venue would never be empty.
The idea for the recital was born three years ago, and despite facing many challenges along the way, Akiki and her team persevered and overcame them. She also highlighted the strict criteria set by Guinness, such as the rule that each hymn must last no less than two minutes and that the interval between hymns must not exceed 20 seconds. But with determination and hard work, they were able to meet all the requirements and make this dream a reality.
The core message of the recital is the message of Lebanon itself: Lebanon of culture and Lebanon of art. Akiki quoted Pope Leo XIV, who said that Lebanon is not only a country of divisions but also a country of joy. She also referenced St. Augustine’s famous words, “He who sings prays twice,” emphasizing the spiritual aspect of this event.
Through this event, Akiki hopes to spread the message that, despite the ongoing hardships in Lebanon, peace ultimately prevails. It is a reminder that Lebanese dreams do not fade, no matter how tough the challenges may be. It is a message of hope, faith, and togetherness, which is much needed in these trying times.
As the world continues to face a global pandemic, Lebanon has also been battling several crises, from economic turmoil to political instability. However, the Christmas recital at Sacred Hearts School in Kfardebian serves as a reminder that the spirit of Christmas and the message of peace and love can overcome all these challenges.
This initiative is a reflection of the resilience and determination of the Lebanese people. It is a symbol of their unwavering faith and their strong sense of community. By coming together to break a world record and spread a message of hope, the people of Lebanon have once again shown that they are capable of achieving great things, even in the face of adversity.
This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, and has been translated for and adapted by CNA. The goal of this event is not just to break a world record, but to spread a message of unity and hope for a better future for Lebanon. And as the 170 hours of continuous Christmas hymns fill the air at Sacred Hearts School in Kfardebian, may this message of hope and faith touch the hearts of people around the world and inspire them to come together in love and harmony this holiday season.
