Living the Liturgy: Roman, Eastern Catholic traditions

The Holy Spirit, the Eucharist, Mary and family were highlighted as the major sources of energy, confidence and victory in spiritual battles by Father Nabil Mouannes who led the Day of Reflection “Living the Liturgy: Learning from Maronite Spirituality” in March at Saint Gregory’s Abbey in Shawnee.

“Pope Saint John Paul II said that the Catholic Church ‘must breathe with her two lungs,’ which means that both the Roman and Eastern Catholic Church are one, holy and apostolic,” said Father Mouannes, who serves as a pastor of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Norman.

He said the history of the Maronite Catholic Church, which was founded as a monastical and ascetical church, fosters the way of life and prayer rooted in the sacred liturgy and community, the same way as it was also exemplified by the great Roman Catholic saints like Saint Benedict and other desert fathers in the early centuries of Christianity. 

The Maronite Catholic tradition originated from Saint Maron (340-425), a hermit who embraced open-air life in the desert and represented a radical position of unconditional love for Jesus Christ regardless of the challenges of his times – the Church being torn by schism, people suffering from wars and divisions and the morality at a low ebb. 

Father Mouannes said contemporary times are not different than the times of Saint Maron.

“We need to follow his example of radical love for Christ and establishing unity in the Church,” he said. “We need to unite all people on earth, each Church on earth and all humanity.” 

He also walked the participants through the seven ecumenical councils as the foundation of faith and liturgy that bond and unite both the Roman Catholic and Maronite Catholic traditions. 

“The Eucharist has always saved us as the Church,” he said. “Jesus Christ is the Life. No one and nothing can delete him from our history, the nature or the nations.

“Your family is a part of the big Church family. Pray together. Don’t allow the secular world to destroy Catholic values, good morals and holy rules of your family life.”

Father Mouannes also focused on the benefits of Mary.

“The Immaculate Heart of Mary will triumph, and we will be victorious despite the many struggles we experience as the Church of Christ,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to go to Mary – your mother – don’t be shy.”

Janet and Janice Nez, sisters from Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Norman and the oblates of the Abbey since 2023, shared their excitement and appreciation for the opportunity to learn about the Eastern Catholic spirituality.

“The Catholic Church is universal,” Janice said. “When we put the Roman Catholic and Maronite Catholic traditions together, we are able to understand the humanity much better. We can become the meek disciples, the forgiving evangelists, the humble servants as Jesus taught us to be and share his love with everyone through our work and prayer.”

Said Janet, “I’m inspired with Father Nabil’s teachings and the importance of the Holy Spirit and family life in the Maronite Catholic Church. The Maronite tradition is important to help revive unity in family life, faith and prayer. The Holy Spirit keeps our families together. We need to teach more about it.”

Father Mouannes closed by comparing the Eucharist to paradise on earth.

“You have the keys, use them. Let your choice for Jesus be radical,” he said. “If you lose your faith, go to the Eucharistic Christ, speak to him, tell him all your concerns, doubts and pains.” 

Father Peter Shults, O.S.B., moderated the Day of Reflection and summarized, “The beauty of each Catholic rite is so special. When we get a taste of it and come to truly appreciate it, we can learn a lot from one another.”

Jad Ziolkowska is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.


Photo (above): Fr. Nabil Mouannes. Photo Jad Ziolkowska/Sooner Catholic.


Photo Jad Ziolkowska/Sooner Catholic.