For the third year in a row, the MYWBD Christian Song Festival attracted, and over its three day program from Aug 20th till the 22nd, a multitude of believers and supporters who joined the 5 participating vocalists in praising the Lord each with his/her own talented and gifted way.
The highlight of the program was the special and exceptional presence of the singer, song writer, composer and musician, the celebrated Wadih El-Safiwho was welcomed, honored and commended for all his life long achievements as a singer and soloist who has left a distinguished mark not only as a international Lebanese songster but as one who has sung praise to the Lord in many of his musical masterpieces and songs.
The opening night of the Festival saw a number of distinguished politicians, officials, religious and media figures, who shared and participated in the special Tribute to Wadih El-Safi each in a special way:
Miss Rosine Saab, the president of May Your Will Be Done Association, presented the guest of honor with the emblem of the association, in appreciation for singing his faith to the world. The president of the Municipality of Batroun Mr. Marcelino Al-Herik presented him with a symbolic rock off the shores of Batroun engraved with Mr. El-Safi’s Name.
A Certificate of Appreciation was also presented by the Vice President of the May Your Will Be Done Association Mrs. Edith-Hilda Shammas Yazigy. From the Land of Christ, the Roman Catholic Priest, Fr Massoud Abou Hatoum, awarded him with a special gift from the sacred city of Galilee. Doumit Men’em the much loved son and citizen of Batroun presented Mr. El-Safi with his three books of poetry and reflections.
All through the evening, the artist Bernard Renno was busy with his paint and brushes an activity that resulted in a dedicated portrait of the honored guest.
On many occasions throughout the evening tears rolled down Mr. El-Safi’s cheeks and following his stage appearance with his son Tony to perform few of his heart touching and spirit lifting hymns; the proud yet very humble guest, with a voice filled with emotion and love for all said:” I have been honored on many occasions before, but tonight out shines them all.”
This special evening also included a reading by the poet Ezabell Zougheib Keserwani, and two solo performances by the devoted vocalists Marcel Badawi and Rania Younes in addition to an audio visual recap of the guest of honor’s prime musical achievements.
Miss Rosine Saab also presented the association’s emblem to the dedicated sponsors and active supporters of the association’s activities and work; namely: Lebanon Chemicals co., Hannouch Conceptions, Mr. Marcelino Al-Herek,the attending media and the participating performers.
The First evening was hosted, jointly, by the Association’s dedicated friend Me. Rolan Khoury and A.N.B.’s broadcaster Ms. Rania Younes.
The second evening of the Festival was hosted by Mr. Elie Hawshan and performed exclusively by Fr Fadi Tabet whose inspiring words and uplifting hymns turned the audience into an accompanying choir. The evening ended with a communal blessing with sacred waters.
As for the festival’s final evening, which had been indeed, a grand Finale; was attended by Minister of Tourism Mr. Fadi Abboud, Mr Jibran Bassil Minister of Power and Water, Head of the Internal Police Force, Commander Antoine Shakkour and thousands of believers of all sects and ages It was performed by none other than the Lovely Joumana Modawar accompanied by keyboard player Mark Abou Naoum and in the presence of the renowned musician Joseph Khalife
The Association’s appreciation emblems on the last evening were presented to The Institution of the Capuchin Fathers, Ms. Modawar, Mr. Abou Naoum, Mr Khalife, Mr. Elie Hawshan, the Junior Knights of Feghal and last but not least the Poet Ms. Marlene Saadeh who shared with the audience a few of what she had written for this special occasion.
