The Late MSGR. Raymond Hanna
A Life Devoted to Church
April 21, 1955 – November 15, 2012
And a Blessing Upon Blessing
Written By: Soeur Eva Chamoun
Translation: Jamaya Abi-Saada
Voice: Soeur Eva Chamoun and Johnny El-Alam
Archival Documentation: Vola Hage
Realization: Antoine Abou-Arraj and Soeur Eva Chamoun.
Ottawa, May 1st. 2011.
Biography
Mgr. Raymond Hanna, son of Joseph and Georgette Hanna, was born in Tarshich, Lebanon on April 21st, 1955.
January 1st., 1967, he joined the Seminar of the Holy Spirit in Kaslik — Jounieh.
In 1970, he entered the Novitiate at the Monastery of our Lady of ‘Maounat’ (Notre Dame de Secours) in Jbeil, Lebanon.
In 1972, he completed his secondary studies in Hemena, Lebanon.
In 1977, he completed his Baccalaureate Part two, Philosophy in Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon.
In 1982, he was ordained Priest by His Excellency Archbishop Roland Abou Jaoudi at the University of the Holy Spirit after he completed his courses and studies in philosophy and theology and became the Principal of St. Antoine High School, in Hemena, Lebanon.
In 1983, he was appointed a Vicar of St. Jean Marc parish in Jbeil, Lebanon.
In 1984 – 1985, he moved to Montreal where he continued his responsibilities as a Vicar at St. Antoine Parish. He also travelled to Quebec City to serve the Maronite community there.
In 1986, he was nominated Pastor of St-Charbel Maronite church in Ottawa by H.E. the Late Archbishop Elias Shaheen.
In 1995, he was elevated to Rank of Monsignor (Abbot) by his Excellency Archbishop George Abi Saber.
In 1997, he completed a Masters degree in Canon Law at St. Paul University, Ottawa
His Legacy Today
“What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. ” – 1 Corinthians 14:26 H.E. Bishop Paul-Marwan Tabet along with our fellow priests of St. Charbel invited the entire community to celebrate Msgr. Raymond Hanna’s life after four years of his passing, Sunday, November 13th 2016. During this emotional service, Bishop Tabet unveiled the painting of Msgr. Raymond Hanna; a beautiful piece uniquely created in honour of the opening of the Conference Center named after one of the founding fathers of St. Charbel parish in Ottawa: Msgr. Raymond Hanna Conference Center.
On November 11th 2018, Saint Charbel Parish, Ottawa unveiled a plaque in honour of Monsignor Hanna’s life and achievements. It is located in front of our Parish.
Achievements under the Patronage of Monsignor Hanna
The purchase of a large church (245 Donald Street) that is financially stable and fully accountable.
The purchase of the adjacent property and community center (HARDINI Center & Rafqa Land) that will form the building blocks of the Maronite community of the future.
The leasing of space in this complex to ensure it is self reliant and does not deplete church funds.
Construction and positioning of the Shrine of our Blessed Virgin Mary at the church’s entrance.
Development of a Saint Charbel’s Maronite Cemetery. (A statue of Saint Charbel was also positioned at the entrance of the cemetery).
Construction of a Huge tent at Saint Rafqa land.
Total interior and exterior renovations and expansion of St Charbel church, the Lebanese Hall and the house adjacent to the church.
