In the early part of the 20th century, immigrants from the area of Aamor and Karm Al-Mohr in Lebanon settled on the South Side of New Castle. These immigrants were identified by their Maronite Catholic faith. By 1920, the Lebanese had a well-established community and family connections.

However, the Maronite Catholic community lacked a permanent home and a priest. So, they met informally. to worship, in storerooms on Long Avenue, Sciota Street and Moravia Street. Their love of their heritage and faith sustained them until they were able to buy their first church building, on Howard Way, in 1926. This love and determination carried them through the Great Depression and they were able to build the current building in 1935 at 2 West Reynolds Street. In 1967, the parish continued their growth with the construction of their beautiful recreational hall on Pearson Street.

To meet the founding generation, click here
To read the entire history of the Maronite community in New Castle, click here.
 

Father Hanna Karam's Biography

Father Hanna Karam

Father Hanna was born on June 18, 1971 in Barhalouin, North Lebanon. He studied primary through secondary education in North Lebanon until he entered the Seminary in Gazir, Jounieh near Beirut.

He studied Theology at the Pontifical Holy Spirit University in Kaslik, Lebanon, where he also studied Hebrew, Greek and Syriac languages. After graduation, he was ordained to the priesthood in July 2001.