The Qurbono at Saint Raymond's Cathedral

THE DIVINE LITURGY, or Mass, of the Maronite Catholic Church is called the Qurbono and is offered at Saint Raymond's Maronite Cathedral, in Saint Louis, Missouri, seat of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon.

Photo taken after the Qurbono, offered by His Grace, Bishop Robert J. Shaheen.  The church building dates from 1975.

Parts of this liturgy are some of the most ancient in the Church, with portions chanted and sung in Aramaic. While the chant modes used were unfamiliar to me, I was able to follow along, more or less, in prayer with the clergy, with the help of a fellow worshiper and the prayer book. Faith is given expression by the liturgy, which in turn shapes our knowledge of the Faith, and this liturgy is theologically rich; click here for a text of the liturgy.

Downtown Saint Louis is blessed by a number of noontime Masses during the week, which mainly serve those who work in the area.  May I suggest visiting Saint Raymond? The Cathedral is also famous for its noontime buffets on Wednesday, serving Lebanese cuisine.  Its annual festival will be held on September 21^st, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Liturgy schedule:  noon on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (except first Friday of the month); 9 a.m. on Wednesday, First Friday, First Saturday; and every Saturday at 5 p.m., and Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m.