Boulos MEOUCHI from Jezzine (1955– 1975)

From Maronite History

Born in Jezzine on April 1st 1894, though his primary studies were attended at a school in his village, it followed with the school of the Mariamite sisters at Deir el Kamar, and finally at the college of La Sagesse. He traveled to Rome before the beginning of the First World War and continued his studies at a university. He was ordained priest on December 7th 1917. He traveled to the United States where he spent 14 years. In April 1934 he was elected Bishop for the region of Tyr and was ordained Bishop in December 1934. In June 1955, He was elected patriarch and participated in the Second Vatican Council where he defended with boldness the rights of Patriarchs to keep the belief in the Middle East who were facing storms and hurricanes. He was the first Maronite Cardinal. During his reign Father Charbel MAKHLOUF was declared Blessed. He died on January 11th 1975 in Bkerke.