Sorrow at the passing of Fr. Paul of Latroun Abbey

We were saddened today to learn of the death of one of our oldest friends, Fr. Paul Saouma of the Trappist Abbey of Latroun. The story of “Abouna Paul” as everyone calls him here, was deeply intertwined with the village. Born in Lebanon but living all of his adult life at Latroun, he was one of the monks who decided together to lease the land to Bruno Hussar for the project of founding the community.

In the late 1999s when he served as the abbot, the abbey gifted the land to the growing village. From that period till his extreme old age, he was a frequent guest, attending Christmas and multi-faith celebrations, speaking at the opening of the Pluralistic Spiritual Center and on innumerable other occasions - even at one stage teaching French to a group of our village members.

Back at the abbey, he would graciously receive groups of children from the kindergarten and the school, who came to pick olives, as well as adults who came to learn about the life of the monks. He was not just a friend, but a man of peace, sowing the seeds of love between all the peoples of the Holy Land, and offering support in their time of need. We will remember him for his energy, his warmth and his laughter. May his memory be blessed.