Under the patronage of His Excellency Bishop Elie Bechara El-Haddad, patron of the Greek Melkite Catholic Diocese of Saida and Deir el-Qamar, His Excellency the Lebanese Minister of Tourism, Engr. Walid Nassar, and the Mayor of Maghdouche, Engr. Raif Younan, a festival was held under the name: “Mother of God Festival” on the occasion of the birth of The Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the shrine of Our Lady of Mantara in Maghdouche, for a period of 2 days, Friday and Saturday, September the 2nd and the 3rd respectively.

On the first day, Friday, September the 2nd, a festive mass was held in the Basilica of Lady of Mantara, presided over by His Eminence, Bishop Elie Beshara El Haddad, with the participation of the Myrrh-Bearing Sisterhoods and the Maronite Sisterhoods.

On the second day, Saturday, September 3, an evening of hymns, was presented by Saint Stephanos the Melode Choir and Panayia Melkite Choir, led by Father Romanos Al Osta, and Maghdouche Choir, led by Dr. Tony Morcos in the Basilica of Lady of Mantara.

In addition to that, an exhibition of local and handicraft products throughout the days of the festivities was held in the courtyard of the Notre Dame School.

This event was certainly achieved through the efforts of a large number of religious and private associations.