The Legend… Father Milad Yaghi… Pastor of Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Catholic Church in Houston – Texas

I know well that you are not a friend of the press and do not like to appear, but you have become a widely recognized name in Houston. Whenever two people gather, you become the third. You have become a symbol among the symbols of Houston.

So, it must be the right of the press to write about this personality who came to Houston over thirty years ago, carrying traditions and customs, to build an entity and a sanctuary for the Maronite  Catholic community. She has made the community an icon in every church celebration that welcomes officials from Lebanon. She has even made them icons in the festivities of the Lebanese village festival, Independence Day, and other celebrations to bring together the community and the Diaspora.

Indeed, congratulations to the Lebanese and Arab Maronite Catholic community because of you. You deserve to be the representative of the community, speaking on its behalf. What you have achieved in Houston is something that many have failed to accomplish. Undoubtedly, you are a legend in community building and uniting the Arab Diaspora.”

Therefore, on my personal responsibility, I hope that the Maronite Catholic community, the Lebanese community, and the Arab community take the initiative to request from sculptors the creation of an artistic piece for Father Milad, a half-statue to be planted in the church’s garden. This would serve as a witness for future generations, echoing his words: ‘Let it be the Church of Our Lady of the Cedars.’ It became a sanctuary and, under the mantle of the Lady of Lebanon, brought together the children of the community and the nation.”

A person like Father Milad deserves all respect and deserves to have a half-statue planted in the church’s garden.

I apologize again, Father Milad. What has been written has been written, but you deserve much more than words can express. Men like you are few, and there is a man who equals a million, and a million who equal a man, and you are worth a million.