Proclamation2021-1872

WHEREAS, Reverend Rodolph W. Wakim was born on May 2, 1964, in Beit Mery, Lebanon to Wakim and Suzan Wakim; and, WHEREAS, he arrived in New York at age 23 and supported himself while studying at Brooklyn College. In 1992, he entered Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary in Washington, D.C. where he completed his studies and was ordained in 1996; and, WHEREAS, his first assignment was at St Anthony Church in Falls River, MA where he was the Assistant Pastor from 1996-1997. Since 1997, he served almost 10 years as pastor of St. Elias Church in Roanoke, Va., where some of the first Lebanese settlers arrived; and, WHEREAS, in 2007, he was transferred to Our Lady of Victory Church in Pittsburgh, PA, where he still serves today; and, WHEREAS, Fr. Rodolph has a Master’s Degree in Theology. He is fluent in Arabic, French, English and Spanish. He was a chaplain of the Knights of Columbus for over 10 years. Rev. Wakim currently serves on the Board of the MYO (Maronite Youth Organization) and the Board of Vocations. He is a member of College of Consultors, the Presbyteral Council and the Protopresbyter of the Mid Atlantic West in the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn; and, WHEREAS, he has been praised for his humanity, his humor and the care he shows for people. Fr. Rodolph has always been very much a man of the people, keeping the message of salvation clear and simple; and, WHEREAS, it is evident of his love for people from one of Fr. Rodolph’s favorite quotes: "I shall pass this way but once; any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again”; and,

Sponsored by Theresa Kail-Smith, All Members.