Parish priest. Scouts chaplain. Teacher.
Servant leader. Car enthusiast. Did anyone say Bayern Munich?
Abouna (Fr.) Tony is a brand name kneaded with love over five decades. He brings out the good in you. A master listener. Generous with his time and resources. A youth dynamo, team player, and team builder. Obedient to his church, a servant leader, and an inspiration by example. He’s very liberal on many issues, yet he does not compromise on Jesus and his teachings. Abouna is a natural leader who is anchored to Jesus.
We sat towards the entrance of Starbucks on a corner table. My back to the wall and him facing me, letting nothing distract him, he started talking.
I’ve had many discussions with him. This one conversation made me understand him a little better. Let me explain.
Abouna Tony, the parish priest
He assumed the responsibilities of St. Elie’s parish (Ain Aar, Lebanon) in 2001 and continues to date. He serves 350 households by visiting his parishioners and celebrating Mass, baptisms, and marriages. He gives the last rites to people on their deathbeds, visits with the sick, and fundraises for the less fortunate. Some couples come from outside the parish to get married at this 250-year-old church.
“I think they like the simplicity, humility, youthfulness, family spirit, and culture.”
It took time, consistency, and effort from Abouna and the parishioners to develop the church spirit that everyone enjoys today. For First Communion and baptisms, Abouna Tony explains the spirituality behind the sacraments and their importance to the child. This sometimes timid gentleman becomes a loud critic of worldly show-offs during such events. It’s similar to when he’s on the podium delivering his sermon.
I call it “showtime!” As if he fills up with knowledge and spirit, awaiting the right time to deliver.
He prepares well, uses personal examples, and simplifies concepts related to the Scriptures. He frequently pushes his parishioners to uncomfortable places, showing the black and the white, the true and the false. There are no compromises on fundamentals, yet flexible on methods.
He works hard to keep people close to their faith. The ones who are challenging to get through get him tired. “Sometimes, I wonder when will I get through to them?” Then he reaches up to the “What would Jesus do?” approach, gets recharged, and continues to serve. His close relationship with his community brings him to their dinner table.
“I enjoy simple food the most. I like simplicity.”
Pere Tony, the teacher
He teaches Christian Education at Saint Joseph School and is the guidance counselor to high schoolers. He tells me that the source of a troubled student is sometimes his family. Students manifest pain by being troublesome, starting fights, or being too funny all the time. He tries to help every time and is always welcoming to his students. He loves them unconditionally. He hopes they can bring these manifestations of love home and to their communities.
He sees that Christian values are eroding in Lebanese families, and he works hard to help parents sustain those values. The father may have to work abroad, and the mother is left to raise the children. Or both parents work hard, and they still cannot keep up. The family is shaken when the father’s or mother’s focus turns selfish. When they only focus on materialistic needs or wants, they lose focus. Financial challenges strain the relationship between parents. A family that keeps faith can weather the storms.
Being close to too many cases can get tiring. It takes a tremendous effort, work, and presence.
“I say to him [Jesus]… I’m limited in time, place, and personal gifts. You gave me this big mission, and I’m trying to help as much as I can. I count on you to help me fulfill Your mission.”
Aigle, the chaplain in “Scouts du Liban”
Saint Joseph’s group has about 600 members: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, younger, and older. He serves as chaplain [aumonier in French] by providing spiritual guidance. He believes his role is to be a companion without imposing his views on young leaders. Given his packed schedule, he intervenes when asked and tries his best to serve. He loves to go out to the wilderness and camp with them when asked. He feels at his best with the scouts.
He especially likes it when they call him by his scout’s nickname, eagle [aigle in French]. Scouts tease him as they sing 🎶 “Pizza Pepperoni. El3ab Bouna Tony.” 🎵
He believes in keeping God close in all his conversations, especially the ones around a campfire. When you give Him room, the message becomes His. The advice becomes more honest and caring.
Faith and worldly politics
He takes issue with how polarized the Lebanese are over religion, especially inter-Christian splits. He expects more of them. They should know better how to practice politics with faith. For example, at church, no person is more important than another. All humans are equal in the eyes of God. Abouna is not fond of reserved seating at church. He appeals to young Christians of Lebanon to be Christians before their allegiance to any political party. Their relationship with Jesus and the purity of his teachings will undoubtedly inject new life into society, including being members of political parties. God will teach us to listen and build bridges between communities to make peace.
“Becoming real Christians takes continuous effort to put Jesus first. How can you be one without reading the Bible, praying, attending Mass, and practicing your faith?”
We have to be modest to question our actions. Saint Paul said: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Our whole life is a challenge to practice the teachings of Jesus, of selflessness in our daily lives, and to give room for His spirit. We should let the fire of Jesus work in us.
Our daily bread
“These are turbulent times for everyone,” he says, including himself. He has his worldly concerns, like all of us. Given the economic crash in Lebanon, he stands to lose the little life savings he has.
“I did not collapse nor feel stressed. I am at peace. Give us our daily bread.”
He knows that his situation is easier than that of parents responsible for their family.
He pauses.
I felt the weight of his parishioners’ struggles on his shoulders.
People come to him for help with food, medicine, and shelter. He reaches out to other people who can help. Silently and with anonymity, community members play their role to keep the spirit going.
Abouna recharges
“It must be draining. How do you recharge?” I ask. Smiling: “By the way, I operate on 220 volts!” he replies.
I recharge by praying, reading the Bible, and reflecting on it. In the morning, I pray, celebrate Mass, and do the same in the evening. During the day, I always prepare something related to the Scriptures. I pray the rosary. I read. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105).
Tony must be a fun person to be around. No?
His serious side has an equivalent light-hearted, fun side, and he’s so easy to be around. He loves spending time with friends, visiting or camping with them, relaxing, grabbing a beer or a glass of wine, or enjoying a simple meal.
When a power nap gets the best of him after dinner, mention cars or anything mechanical (especially the German-made), and he’ll wake up.
Want to tease him? Challenge his favorite German football team.
Are you a cyclist? I bet you can’t beat his record (Kornet Chehwan — Sannine) in three hours.
Starbucks drink? I don’t think coffee is his thing. He came and met me to oblige. Maria was nice enough to fix him a flavored latte that he ended up liking.