Saint Zacharie

Association
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In Tribute to Nada Melki
In Tribute to Nada Melki 2000 1429 Catherine Fugere


A gentle light that continues to shine

It is with deep emotion that the Saint-Zacharie Association pays tribute to Nada Melki (1975 – January 23, 2026), a woman whose life was guided by love, generosity, and kindness. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by the affection of her loved ones.

Nada’s name will forever be linked to the history of the house that now shelters the Saint-Zacharie Home — a place rich in memory, deep roots, and legacy. Through her family’s generous gesture, this space became a refuge for others, carrying forward the values of welcome and compassion that so beautifully reflected who she was.

Nada was the beloved daughter of Antoine Melki and Marie-Rose Babik, the devoted wife of David Kawaja, and the caring mother of Karl, Lily Rose, and Emma Rose. She will be dearly missed by her brothers Fadi Melki (Krystiane Lafrenière) and their family, Karam Melki (Carmie Commisso) and their family, Michel Melki (Gabriela Rusu) and their family; her sisters Amal Melki (Jihad Abi-Nader) and their family, Hala Melki (Jamal El Hage) and their family. She will also be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews: Gabriel (Catherine) and family, Shady, Anthony, Vanessa, Sarah, Samuel, Guy, Joe, Maria, Cristofer, Kiara, and Anthony Kenzo. She will be deeply missed by her uncles Boulos Melki (Carmen) and their family, Marwan Melki (Lody) and their family; her aunts Thérèse Melki (late Ibrahim) and family, Habiba Melki (Adel Nassim) and family, Sabah Melki (Adel Tawfik) and family; her uncles Adnan Babik (Haïfa) and family, Marwan Babik, Hani Babik (Rima) and family, Rami Babik; and her aunt Souad Babik (late Jean Babik) and their family.
Nada also leaves in mourning many cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends in Canada and across several countries.

A Prayer in Memory of Nada

In a spirit of gratitude and love, this prayer shared by Nada reflects the depth of her heart and the light she carried within her:

To our universal mother
To your eyes full of kindness, I say thank you
To your heart full of love, I say thank you
To your hands full of magic, I say thank you
For your love, your compassion, and your tenderness
For everything and everyone, I say thank you
A drop of your Blood you have given me, and
it is now mine to pass on.
Thank you
I love you

These luminous words express the way Nada moved through life — with gratitude, gentleness, and a love that continues to be shared.

Memorial Services

The family will receive condolences on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Urgel Bourgie Funeral Complex (1255 Beaumont Avenue, Mount Royal).
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at Saint-Ephrem Cathedral (3155 Cartier Boulevard West, Laval).

💛 Nada leaves behind a legacy of tenderness and kindness that will continue to live in the hearts and places touched by her presence.

The Saint-Zacharie Association extends its most sincere condolences to her family and to all who loved her.

  • Catherine Fugere
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Tenderness as a Refuge: The Work of the Saint-Zacharie Association
Tenderness as a Refuge: The Work of the Saint-Zacharie Association 1920 2560 Catherine Fugere

Beyond the mountains that surround it, the Saint-Zacharie Association shelters a home where gentleness and dignity regain their rightful place. Every child who arrives crosses the threshold of a refuge where both the wounds of the heart and those of daily life are tended to. At the center of this human warmth are Randa and Kafa, two women whose comforting presence transforms the children’s lives day after day. Their commitment—filled with love and compassion—gives this place its true soul: that of a home where one finally feels safe.

“The Saint-Zacharie Association offers a true haven of peace nestled in the heart of the mountains, where children find refuge, serenity, and human warmth. Randa and Kafa, the house mothers, embody generosity and dedication. Their immense hearts and constant attention turn every moment into a reassuring embrace. They watch over the children with maternal tenderness, as if they were their own. Their welcome, filled with gentleness and kindness, leaves an imprint of tenderness on the heart of everyone who visits.” — Diana

A heartfelt thank you to Diana for the beautiful photos and for taking the time to visit the Association during her stay in Lebanon with her family.

  • Catherine Fugere
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Update from Mgr. Melki – September 2025
Update from Mgr. Melki – September 2025 2560 1707 Catherine Fugere

Dear friends and benefactors of the Saint-Zacharie Association,

Peace in Our Lord Jesus Christ,

I look back on the last two years of activities of our Association, 2023–2024 and 2024–2025. As in the past, we have continued to welcome underprivileged children in our Home in Harissa, Lebanon, and to extend a helping hand to families in need—all in harmony with the mission of the Association.

In addition, we have continued our renovation work on the house by restoring and painting doors and walls. We also installed solar panels to help overcome the shortage of electricity.

Two other major projects were completed: we built a playground for the children, a space of 90 m², and a parking lot for five cars.

All these projects came to life thanks to your generosity and your unwavering support. May the Lord reward you with health, prosperity, and all that your good heart desires.

As I am currently in Laval, I wish to express my strong desire to meet those of you who live in Canada.

Sincerely,

Mgr. Melki

  • Catherine Fugere
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The Children of Lebanon: Stolen Innocence, Rediscovered Hope
The Children of Lebanon: Stolen Innocence, Rediscovered Hope 1080 1080 Catherine Fugere

In the heart of Lebanon, a country renowned for its beauty, majestic mountains, and sunlit beaches, lies a generation of children whose smiles have been dimmed by a harsh reality. For several years, Lebanon has been enduring an unprecedented economic, political, and social crisis. For many, it is not just a country in turmoil, but a broken home where children are the first victims of the collapse of vital structures.

Children, who should be running freely, playing in parks, and dreaming of bright futures, now face a grim reality. In some regions, schools no longer operate, or barely do, and prolonged power outages plunge homes into darkness. Parents, once able to provide for their families, now struggle to meet basic needs, making childhood synonymous with deprivation rather than joy.

It is in this context of suffering that the Saint-Zacharie Association rises as a beacon of hope. This organization works tirelessly to offer young Lebanese a chance to regain a piece of their lost innocence. Located in the heart of this wounded country, the association welcomes children who would otherwise be left to fend for themselves in a world that has become too cruel for them.

At the Saint-Zacharie home, the focus is on education, not only as a fundamental right but as a means to resist adversity. Here, children find a safe environment, where the light of the classrooms contrasts with the darkness often present outside. Thanks to the efforts of volunteers and educators, they learn, play, and dream again. The association does not merely address material needs but also strives to heal emotional wounds by providing a space where every child is heard, valued, and encouraged.

Every smile regained is a victory over the prevailing gloom. Every laugh echoing through the halls of the Saint-Zacharie home is a promise of a better future. The Saint-Zacharie Association is not only saving lives but also restoring hope, not only for the children but for an entire nation in desperate need of it.

The road ahead is still long, and the challenges are numerous, but with every child saved, every dream rekindled, a part of Lebanon is reborn. And as long as there are dedicated souls who believe in these children, there will be hope for an entire people.
To join our cause, contact us now at [email protected].

  • Catherine Fugere
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Evening in Laval: A Memorable Gathering for the Saint-Zacharie Association.
Evening in Laval: A Memorable Gathering for the Saint-Zacharie Association. 1920 1080 Catherine Fugere

The evening held in Laval will remain engraved in our memories as a moment of camaraderie and sharing, but above all, as an opportunity to celebrate the significant advancements made by the Saint-Zacharie Association. Bringing together members, volunteers, partners, and friends of the association, this event was the perfect occasion to highlight the progress made in improving the living conditions of the youth and the renovations undertaken to modernize our home.

The Saint-Zacharie Association has long been committed to enhancing the well-being of the young people in our community. Through various initiatives and unwavering dedication, we have witnessed concrete and positive changes in the lives of many young individuals. This evening provided an opportunity to reflect on these achievements and celebrate the successes, both big and small, that have been accomplished through the collective effort of all members of our association.

The renovations undertaken to modernize our home were also at the heart of the discussions. Thanks to the generous support of our donors and the commitment of our team, we have made significant progress in this project. These renovations are crucial to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for the youth we accommodate, and they reflect our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible conditions for their development.

On this occasion, we want to express our deep gratitude to all those who contributed directly or indirectly to the success of this evening and to our projects in general. Every gesture, every donation, every volunteer hour counts and makes a real difference in our ability to fulfill our mission. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can continue to make a real difference in the lives of the young people in our community.

We are grateful for the unwavering support we receive and look forward to continuing our work with determination and passion. Thank you all for your commitment and generosity.

Members of the Saint-Zacharie Association

  • Catherine Fugere
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Celebrations to Give Back to Children
Celebrations to Give Back to Children 1920 1080 Catherine Fugere

The Saint-Zacharie Association is an organization dedicated to bringing hope, love, and support to underprivileged children in Lebanon. Our raison d’être is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to grow up in a nurturing and stimulating environment, despite the challenges they may face.

During the holiday season, our commitment to the well-being of children takes on a special dimension. We firmly believe in the magic of Christmas and the importance of creating warm memories for the young minds that shape our future.

In this spirit, we have orchestrated a series of special events for the children in our association. Throughout the month of December, community groups, individual benefactors, and our own youth committee “Seeds of Hope” have joined forces to bring moments of joy and abundance to the cherished children.

December 6

The Ave Maria Group organized a generous dinner on December 6, including pastries and juices, to brighten the children’s daily lives.

December 8
The Orthodox Youth Movement visited the Home on December 8, bringing joy to the children by offering them sports attire, balloons, and cakes. Ils ont apporté de la joie aux enfants en leur offrant des habits de sport, des ballons et des gâteaux.

December 9

The Notre-Dame-de-Louaizeh Guides Group paid a visit on December 9 to share special moments with the children and offer them delicious cakes.

December 14

Mr. Joseph el-Adem showed generosity by providing cakes and a CD to each child at the Home on December 14.

December 15

The Marial Apostolic Movement shared sweetness by offering cakes on December 15, creating special moments for the children.

December 16

On Saturday, December 16, the Seeds of Hope youth committee organized a special event at the Harissa Home to celebrate the approaching Christmas. Santa Claus was present to distribute gifts, and the children participated in fun games. The event brought together 40 people from the family, adults, and children, in a warm and festive atmosphere.

December 17

The DLux Group showed generosity on December 17 by offering clothes and shoes to the children at the Home.

On the same day, the Youth Group of the Virgin of Aintoura/El-Mate also made a contribution by providing gloves and socks to the children.

In conclusion, these celebrations filled with generosity and sharing brought a special light to the Saint-Zacharie Association in Lebanon. Through these privileged moments during the holiday season, we have collectively created memories that will remain engraved in the hearts of the children we cherish. The altruistic gestures of the various groups and individuals involved have not only brightened the faces of the young ones but also strengthened our commitment to the association’s fundamental mission. By continuing to unite our efforts, we aspire to write new chapters of hope and happiness for these children, offering them the promise of a brighter future. Thank you to all who contributed to making this festive period truly magical. Together, we are building a future infused with compassion and love.

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Article template – Test #1
Article template – Test #1 1920 1080 j8p43

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