History and Identity
Location and Setting:
Nestled among pine woods, vineyards, and fig orchards on the slopes of Mount Misha, the Monastery of Our Lady of Machmouché was built in 1736. It is situated in the Jezzine district in southern Lebanon, at an altitude of 900 meters. The monastery is surrounded by the villages of Machmouché, Bekassine, Sabbah, Bteddeen al-Lokch, al-Midan, al-Harf, and Nahr Bisri.
Historical Significance:
In 1922, the Order sold part of the Machmouché Monastery's property to finance the construction of the region's first modern school. This school has since educated a large number of people from South Lebanon. It celebrated its silver jubilee in 1948, with the presence of Sheikh Bechara Khoury, the President of the Lebanese Republic from 1943 to 1952.
Mission and Services:
Since its inception, the Monastery of Our Lady of Machmouché has aimed to address the lack of social and spiritual institutions in a region abundant in natural beauty but deficient in such services. The monastery has consistently fulfilled its role in various areas throughout the southern region, with its monks providing pastoral services in many surrounding villages.
Humanitarian Efforts:
The monastery has provided significant humanitarian services during recent crises in Lebanon and continues to do so. Through its college, one of the oldest institutions of the Order, the monastery conducts a remarkable cultural and educational mission. The college currently educates nearly 750 students for free, continuing its long-standing tradition of service to the community.
