Mary, Mother of the Light Maronite Church

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

The sisters will be starting their annual silent retreat week on Monday. Please know that we will be lifting you up in our daily Liturgies. If you have any specific intentions feel free to share them this weekend. We will be unplugging from social media during our retreat. Come Holy Spirit. 🙏🕊️

09/05/2026

08/17/2026

🍚✨ Lebanese Rice — A Simple Middle Eastern Classic! 🇱🇧

This Lebanese Rice is a staple on Middle Eastern tables and one of the easiest side dishes you can make! With just a few simple ingredients—fluffy rice, golden toasted vermicelli, olive oil, and a touch of salt—you’ll have a delicious side that pairs beautifully with chicken, meat, stews, and so much more. 😍

🛒 Ingredients
2 cups long-grain white rice
½ cup dried rice vermicelli
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
A pinch of cinnamon, optional
Fresh parsley, optional, for garnish
Toasted nuts, optional, for serving
👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Rinse the rice: Wash the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.

2️⃣ Toast the vermicelli: Heat the olive oil in a medium non-stick pot over medium heat. Add the vermicelli and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns a deep golden brown. Be careful not to let it burn.

3️⃣ Add the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the toasted vermicelli and stir well, making sure the rice is coated with the olive oil.

4️⃣ Season with salt and a pinch of cinnamon, if desired.

5️⃣ Add the water: Pour in 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.

6️⃣ Cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.

7️⃣ Let it rest: Remove the pot from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.

8️⃣ Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork.

9️⃣ Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and toasted nuts if desired. 🌿🥜

💡 Tips & Notes

✨ Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5–7 days.

✨ Where to find vermicelli: Rice vermicelli is commonly available at Middle Eastern markets, natural-food stores, and larger supermarkets.

✨ Substitution: If you can't find rice vermicelli, you can use capellini pasta, broken into small pieces. It's best to avoid regular spaghetti because it is much thicker.

🍽️ Serving size: Each serving is approximately ¾ cup cooked rice.

🇱🇧❤️ What would you serve with this Lebanese Rice—chicken, kofta, or a delicious stew? 👇

08/16/2026

Highlights from the last day of our retreat in celebration of the Assumption/Dormition of Our Blessed Mother lead by Father Gary George.

08/15/2026

Blessed feast of the assumption/Dormition of Our blessed Mother in body & soul.

04/05/2026

Christ is Risen, indeed He has!
المسيح قام، حقاً قام!