This is a proud initiative by the residents and expatriates from the farthest area in the South of Lebanon. The people of the village of Ain Ebel have rallied over a symbolic and spiritual project to express their faith and reaffirm their identity, which was passed on to them since the dawn of Christianity. What better people than the sons of the Land of Annunciation to commemorate their heavenly mother embracing the holy land surrounding the highest hill in the area? And what better place to host this blessed edifice than Ain Ebel, the tranquil village of many believers that was used as a resting station by our Lord Jesus Christ on his journeys to Sidon, Cana and Tyre where he performed his renowned miracles?
Praise be to the Lord, and raise up O Lady, the Mother of Light, and spread your arms over the people of Ain Ebel and the surrounding area where you are worshiped by all!
We now turn to you, believers from around the world, our Lebanese compatriots, and Christians in particular, to ask for your financial and moral support to complete this project. This is a long-standing dream by both Christians and Muslims who share the objective of turning this project into reality for its historic and religious importance and for the economic benefits it would bring to our region.
With your support, the dream will materialize, and the shrine of Em El Nour will stand on the hill of Dahr El Assi in Ain Ebel, so that our Mother of Light will shower you and your loved ones with her blessings, and light the path of all your endeavors.
At a height of 720 to 850 meters above sea level, the village of Ain Ebel lies above a group of highlands and slopes in the heart of what was known as the Land of Annunciation (Bilad el Bishara).
Open to an unobstructed 360 degrees horizon of great breadth, is the Dahr El Assi hill. It is surrounded by the towns of Bint Jbeil, Ainata, Qounine and al-Tiri from the north, Rmeish and Aita al-Shaab from the south, Yaroun and Maroun al-Ras from the east and Debel and Hanin from the west. The Em El Nour site will sit on top of the hill at the northern entrance of Ain Ebel which rises 850 meters above the sea level.
The monument occupies an area of 7500 square meters. Above all, it is located on the path that our Lord Jesus Christ and his mother the Virgin Mary, walked on their journeys to Qana, Tyre, and Sidon, where the Lady of Mantara shrine was erected in Maghdousheh to commemorate that blessed visit.
This shrine is a national symbol of Christian existence in the south, and a bridge between the various communities in the area. It is intended as a catalyst inviting all Lebanese and visitors to discover this beautiful region of Lebanon in the heart of the land of the Annunciation, and within a stone's throw from the Holy Land.
The tower consists of three columns that unite at 60.3 meters above ground. A 14 meters high statue of the Mother of Light carrying her baby Jesus will sit on top.
This tower also hosts an underground multipurpose hall that can accommodate 400 people. A circular church with a glass façade and a capacity of 150 people would occupy the ground level.
In addition, a waiting room will be built on top of the church on the first floor leading to the elevator and the staircase. Both the elevators and the stairs can be used by visitors to reach the foot of the statue. At the top, in addition to paying their respect and performing their prayers, visitors can enjoy 360 degrees unobstructed views of the south of Lebanon, Mount Hermon, Barouk, Jabal El Rihan and the Holy Land!
A second building will host a souvenirs shop, a cafeteria, private offices and public restrooms.
A third building would accommodate a guesthouse for spiritual visitors and a meeting room for spiritual retreats.
A fence around the perimeter of the property, trees, gardens and green spaces for use by the public.
It must be noted that the project was designed by engineer Mr. Paul Nacouzzi and his team, who have graciously submitted all designs and plans for the whole projects completely free of charge. We wholeheartedly thank them for their continuous support of the project. We would also like to thank Mr Maroun El Helou head of the leading construction firm Abniah for his continuous support, flexibility and guidance in the construction of the project.
The construction of the main tower has now been thankfully completed. The remaining cost of the project according to the original estimate is about $ 2.5 million. However as has been the case during the construction, with the Virgin Mary's help, we will continue to try to optimize the actual cost. Moreover by focusing on the essential parts, we estimate that we will be able to inaugurate the shrine next year with just $ 1 million. 2020 is an important milestone for Ain Ebel and it coincides with the Grand Lebanon centenial celebrations.
The project idea was originally incepted in Canada in 2010, where the Ain Ebli community there spent 2 years developing concept designs, collecting funds and scouting for the right location. It then took 6 years to finalize the designs and buy the land and the project was officially launched in the summer of 2016. The ground breaking ceremony was held by His Beatitude our Patriarch Mar Beshara Boutros Al-Ra'i in the presence of His Excellency the Archbishop of Tyre Chukrallah Nabil Al-Haj during a special visit to the southern border villages.
Includes the building of the tower and the installation of the statue of the Virgin Mary Mother of Light. This phase will also include all the necessary services, entrances, gates, pathways and lighting.
Includes the construction and fitting of the Capella as well as the construction of the shrine office and the souvenir shops.
Includes the construction and equipping of the spiritual visitors' guesthouse and meeting room with all its furnishings.
The completion period of the full project is estimated to be approximately 36 months, depending on availability of funds.
Launch of the project and laying the foundation stone – summer of 2016
Construction start – summer of 2017
Completion of the first phase – summer of 2019
Completion of the second and third phase – summer of 2020
Mary the Mother of Light, you are a shining icon in our hearts.
You who has accompanied us through good and bad, lit up our history, blessed our children, grown our seasons, wiped our tears in the days of war and sorrow.
You who taught us to go to your son and repent to him while bringing us together.
In the name of the Lord and his faith we gather today from all spectrums with one desire only - to honor you.
Let us build a shrine for the Mother of Light to stand high in the gardens of Ein Abel and spread her love and blessings over the whole Southern region.
Mary everyone and everything in us chants your glory.
The innocence of our children
The love of our mothers
The perseverance of our men
The longing of our expatriates…
You are the light of our conscience, the light of our path, the light of our life!
Calling all believers and benefactors to contribute generously and donate directly on this site each within his means. Any contribution, no matter how modest, would help move us a step closer to realizing the dream of establishing this blessed edifice in our region. This shrine will not only be a source of pride for us and our children but will also significantly contribute to our spiritual and economic development and would re-enforce and sustain our historical existence in this region for many decades to come.
Praise be to the Virgin Mary; praise be to the Mother of Light!
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