Our Lady of Lebanon
Maronite Catholic Church

As our Lebanese people began to emigrate to the United States of America at the beginning of the Twentieth Century, a number of families from the Zgharta-Ehden Region of Lebanon and from the Maasser El-Chouf Region of Lebanon settled in the Greater Waterbury Area. Over time years a number of other families from various other regions of Lebanon came to this area as well and settled. As time went on, two Lebanese Clubs were formed representing each of the regions named above. At the same time there was a desire to have their own church and worship in the eastern traditions to which they were accustomed. This dream was not to begin to be fulfilled until 1975. Up to the year 1975 our people came under the jurisdiction of St. Maron Church, Torrington, Connecticut. Only on special occasions would our people journey to Torrington or the resident priest would come to Waterbury. Otherwise, our people worshiped weekly at the nearest Latin Church. During the Pastorate of Father Dominic Ashkar, an accelerated effort was made to establish a Mission in Waterbury with the hope of requesting a priest and establishing a parish. Then Father Ashkar began to celebrate the Divine Liturgy once a month in 1973. In the fall of 1974 a young group of married couples met with Father Askhar to discuss the possibilities of a Mission and upon the instruction of Bishop Francis M. Zayek and the invitation of Father Ashkar. Then Father Hector Doueihi came to Waterbury for two weeks to meet with the People. His positive findings were given in a report to Bishop Zayek. It was then decided to send a priest to administer the Mission.

In 1975, the Rev.Joseph F. Kaddo, founder and administrator of the then Maronite Mission of Miami, Florida was transferred to Waterbury to undertake this new mission. In order to live among the community, living quarters were generously provided for our priest through the kindness of Rev. Thomas Dwyer, pastor of St. Margaret Church, Waterbury. Also, the Ehden Lebanese American Club generously made their club facility available to our Mission Community for our Sunday Liturgy at 10am. and for many fund-raising activities to benefit our building fund. In October 1975, the fledgling mission community hosted diaconate ordination of Monsignor David George, a former Waterbury native. Since then meetings were held periodically and committees were formed to study the situation and at the same time look for land and/or building to purchase. Many various and successful fund-raising events took place not only raising the necessary funds to build but more importantly brought our community closer together

Then, after three years of looking at buildings, locations to no avail, in 1978 a parcel of land of approximately three acres was located in the East Mountain area of town. A down payment was immediately made but obstacles had to be overcome in order to complete the closing. It wasn't until February, 1980 that we closed on the sale and we had our land. With this acquisition, our community was once again excited and now real plans were on the way. An architect was hired and plans were drawn for our new spiritual home. In October 1981 construction began and the church was dedicated and consecrated on October 17, 1982. This only made Possible though the Faith, Love, Concern and support of the people of the Greater Waterbury Area and its pastor. After residing at St. Margaret Rectory for nearly fourteen years, a new home located across from the Church was purchased for Father Joe. This home presently serves as the rectory of Our Lady of Lebanon Church.

In the next sixteen years, the Church sponsored many fund-raising events in addition to sound investments that helped retire the Church mortgage. In the fall of 1991 a ceremony of burning the mortgage was conducted at our Annual Mortgage Reduction Dinner. Both Father Joe and Father David and members of our faithful community rejoiced at this milestone accomplishment! Our community has had much to celebrate over the years ever mindful of the many dedicated deceased faithful who were so instrumental in Our Lady of Lebanon Church success and achievements, especially those of Sister Frances Bouharoun, DHS.

One of Our Lady of Lebanon most memorable celebrations was that of Father Kaddo's elevation to Monsignor while he served as our Pastor. Shortly thereafter, Monsignor Joseph F. Kaddo was promoted to Vicar General of the Eparchy of St. Maron Brooklyn, NY. He having spent twenty-two years with us in Waterbury as our Pastor, Monsignor Kaddo moved to Brooklyn to fulfill his new assignment. As a result, God blessed us again with our new Pastor, Monsignor David M. George. Our new Bishop, Stephen Hector Doueihi, assigned him to us.

Prior to accepting his new position as Vicar General, Chorbishop Kaddo initiated plans for a cultural and education center. These plans were further explored and brought to fruition under Monsignor David's guidance and determination along with the parish committees' participation.

Monsignor David has worked hard and successfully continued to bring our Community together as a Family. In July 2006, Monsignor David was transferred from Waterbury and Rev. Charbel Semaan was named the pastor. He has brought his boundless energy and enthusiasm to Our Lady of Lebanon. Plans for a day care center to serve the community are in progress as well.

In September 2007, Bishop Gregory Mansour named Rev. Naji Kiwan to become our interim administrator of Our Lady of Lebanon. He has brought his own unassuming style and devotion to our community. We look forward to years of working with him as he has been named the pastor effective June 27,2008.