A French nun who has made southern Lebanon her home is building what she calls a “ship of peace” – a safe space that welcomes Christians, Muslims and Jews alike.
Sister Beatrice Mauger settled in the town of Qouzah, in Bint Jbeil, a year ago. Shortly thereafter, she began constructing the “ship,” which is her way of referring to a house that welcomes anyone with good intentions and a tranquil soul, regardless of nationality or religion.
“The only path to peace is if we accept one another, and that can only happen if we meet and talk,” she said. She herself said she has been accepted by the residents of the town, who have welcomed her, her ideas and the ship of peace.
“I decided to settle in Qouzah and implement the project ... so that the children of Abraham can find peace among one another,” she said.
Qouzah was hit during the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel, and overlooks the hill where two Israeli soldiers were captured. For Mauger, this makes it an ideal location for the project. “Since the war started here, I will work to make it the birthplace of peace.”
The “ship” is located on property owned by the Maronite Church. The church, Mauger said, has been enthusiastic about the project, and Maronite Bishop Shukrallah Nabil al-Hajj has been very cooperative.
“I think my vision coincides with his idea for a single strategy for peace,” she said.
The completion of her project still depends on some funding. For now, Mauger spends her days taking care of her animals – riding her camels and donkeys, feeding her birds and selling eggs and chickens. “We all have good and bad in us, and I came here with only good intentions,” she said.
This article has been adapted from its original source.
