Msgr. Joseph Lahoud

Msgr. Joseph Lahoud obituary, Hyde Park, MA

Msgr. Joseph Lahoud

Joseph Lahoud Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Carroll-Thomas Funeral Home - Hyde Park on Jul. 17, 2025.

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Visitation will be held at Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon Church
(61 Rockwood Street, Jamaica Plain, MA):
• Wednesday, July 23 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Clergy Ginnaz at 7:30 p.m.)
• Thursday, July 24 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m., with burial at Mount Benedict Cemetery, West Roxbury.
Please in lieu of flowers all donations in Msgr. Lahoud's memory can be made to the church he dedicated his time and love to, Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon Church 61 Rockwood Street Jamaica Plain
Born in Kartaba, Lebanon, on March 27, 1934, Chorbishop Lahoud was the eldest of five children of Farid and Olga (Souhaid) Lahoud, well-known hotel proprietors. He felt a divine calling at a young age, entering St. Maron's Seminary in 1948 at just 14. He later earned his theology degree from St. Joseph's University in Beirut and was ordained on April 12, 1959.
Shortly thereafter, he moved to the United States, beginning his ministry at St. Maron's Church in Torrington, Connecticut in 1961. In 1970, he was appointed pastor of Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon in Jamaica Plain by Archbishop Francis M. Zayek.
At the time, the parish was on the verge of bankruptcy. The property had only a rectory and community center built on land donated by Richard Cardinal Cushing. Many would have seen it as a lost cause. But not Chorbishop Lahoud.
With quiet determination and steadfast faith, he led the parish out of financial crisis. Within three years, the existing debt was paid off, and he began building the church anew. In 1974, construction began on the new church, and by 1975, the first Mass was celebrated in the monastic-inspired sanctuary that stands today.
From there, his accomplishments multiplied:
• Installed beautiful stained-glass windows (1977)
• Built additional classrooms and storage (1980)
• Paid off mortgage (1990)
• Added new office space and rectory living quarters (1991)
• Planted 100 cedar trees on the property (1993)
• Initiated the construction of a new facility in 2000, later named the Chorbishop Joseph F. Lahoud Pastoral Center (opened 2005), to house classrooms, a shrine to Saint Rafka, and a space for parish events
In recognition of his exemplary service:
• He was elevated to Monsignor in 1982
• Ordained Chorbishop in 1986
• Honored in 2009 with a celebration of 50 years in the priesthood
• Officially retired in 2010, though he continued to serve well into his later years
• On April 21, 2012, he was awarded the National Order of the Cedar, the highest state order of Lebanon. It is awarded by the President, for great services rendered to Lebanon, for acts of courage and devotion of great moral value, and for years in public service.
Even in retirement, he returned to parishes for Holy Week liturgies, mentored clergy, and participated in milestone church celebrations across New England. Parishioners and clergy alike recall his signature blend of deep faith, tireless work ethic, and warm hospitality.
Chorbishop Lahoud was not only a pastor, but a true father to his parish family. His rectory was a home for visitors, his church a sanctuary for the weary, and his presence a source of strength for the Lebanese immigrant community in Boston and beyond. His kindness, humility, and ability to unite people will remain his most enduring legacy.
He is survived by his loving siblings Nawal Abdul-Massih, Fattan Lahoud, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted parishioners. He was predeceased by his siblings, Emile Lahoud and Youmna Lahoud Wehbe. His life was a living sermon of devotion, humility, and action. May he rest in eternal peace and rise in glory.
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July 25, 2025

Denise Slifer posted to the memorial.

July 24, 2025

Charlene Anderson posted to the memorial.

July 23, 2025

Halim Polcari posted to the memorial.

Denise Slifer

July 25, 2025

What an absolutely beautiful man Fr Lahoud was. I knew him from when I was very young attending the Maronite mass. He was a gentle kind and intelligent man who never forgot the people he cared about. May he rest in Gods peace.

Charlene Anderson

July 24, 2025

Father Lahoud was my parish priest, the celebrant at our wedding and baptized our children. We loved him!! He was humble, kind and refined but very efficient, hardworking and determined.

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Halim Polcari

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Madeline Eysie

July 22, 2025

Father Joe loved life and life loved him back. Always a constant in my life and my daughters. My mom's favorite 1st cousin, Claudia Eysie. Thank God the heart bends like the wind and all will be restored. God Bless all.
Madeline Eysie

Treasured Tribute Wreath

Habeeb/Wehbe/Sokhn Families

Sent Flowers

Abouna (Fr) Joe Thomas

July 21, 2025

Abouna, you were a kind priest of God, never out for yourself. With my own eyes, I beheld what a wonderful pastor of souls you were - among many other deeds of caring, watching over students from Lebanon coming to Boston for higher learning.
May you rest in peace, dear Abouna Joe

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Sam & Jane Slaiby

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Samuel E. Slaiby

July 19, 2025

It is with deep sadness that Jane & I learned of Chor Bishop Lahoud's passing . St. Maron Church in Torrington was his first parish as a new priest, and I was his first alter server . My father and I taught him about cars ; he taught me about faith , persistence and dedication to God , country, and community . We became lifelong friends and shared many confidences . I miss him greatly , but know that for a long time he has had a special place reserved for him close to Jesus and that he is now enjoying an eternal residence.

Joseph & Suzie Halabi of Ehden & Boston

July 19, 2025

May God rest his soul
His life was precious to all of us and he will be missed

Joseph & Suzie Halabi of Ehden & Boston

July 19, 2025

Joseph & Suzie Halabi

July 19, 2025

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Carroll-Thomas Funeral Home - Hyde Park

22 Oak Street, Hyde Park, MA 02136

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Sign Joseph Lahoud's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 25, 2025

Denise Slifer posted to the memorial.

July 24, 2025

Charlene Anderson posted to the memorial.

July 23, 2025

Halim Polcari posted to the memorial.