As part of USJ’s 150^th anniversary celebrations, the Michel Chiha Foundation officially entrusted his personal archives to The Oriental Library (BO). A leading figure in Lebanese history, Chiha was a politician, writer, journalist, banker, and key drafter of the nation’s Constitution. The ceremony was held at the Leïla Turqui Auditorium, in the presence of foundation members and Chiha’s family.

USJ Rector, Prof. Salim Daccache, SJ, welcomed the gesture as both symbolic and deeply meaningful, describing it as a “double honor” for the University: receiving an invaluable legacy and honoring one of its most distinguished alumni. He noted that Chiha, a “visionary thinker” and a “founding figure of modern Lebanon”, developed his political and philosophical ideas within USJ’s halls.

Prof. Daccache described the donation as “a return to the source,” reintroducing Chiha into the “living circle of thought, transmission, and dialogue.” Quoting Chiha, he added, “Lebanon is not a country like any other. It is an idea, a mission, a message.” He added that, in today’s uncertainty, Chiha’s words urge civic responsibility, the defense of diversity, and a steadfast love of country.

He noted that Chiha’s manuscripts, letters, articles, and speeches reflect an independent spirit rooted in a vision of a balanced, pluralistic Lebanon. As Chiha warned, “Lebanon rests on a fragile balance between diversities that must never become divisions,” a message whose urgency endures.

Prof. Daccache expressed gratitude to the Michel Chiha Foundation, noting that the donation conveys more than archival material, it embodies “a fragment of the Lebanese spirit.” He praised the BO staff, for their role in preserving and presenting this exceptional collection, echoing Chiha: “Culture endures when all else falters, and it will save Lebanon.”

In this jubilee year, the handover reaffirms USJ’s mission not only to impart knowledge but to shape consciences, foster critical thinking, and inspire hope for Lebanon’s future.

Dr. Claude Doumet Serhal, President of the Michel Chiha Foundation, spoke with deep emotion, calling the handover a milestone in preserving Lebanon’s intellectual and cultural heritage. She recalled Joseph Maila’s description of Chiha as the “grammarian of Lebanese politics” and affirmed his role in shaping the Lebanese modern thought. A careful study of the archives, she added, lays bare his unwavering love for his country.

She also highlighted Chiha’s lifelong connection to USJ, the College, and the Jesuit community, citing his 1920s editorial toasting USJ and Greater Lebanon, as well as a 1950 letter in which he fondly recalled his student days. She also mentioned his correspondence with Father Louis Mouterde, SJ, BO Director, and his active participation in several of USJ event.

She stated that making these archives accessible aligns with the Foundation’s mission since its establishment in 1955: to disseminate Chiha’s thought, particularly among youth. It gives students and researchers direct access to a vibrant, living body of work that continues to shape Lebanon’s intellectual landscape.

Dr. Doumet Serhal concluded by quoting Chiha: “What matters is that a light stays on behind us, because what’s behind us will reappear ahead. A flame left behind guides the way forward.” This image powerfully captures the link between memory and future, a connection this archival handover brings vividly to life.

Philippe Hélou, member of the foundation and Chiha’s grandson, reflected on the deeply personal and historical significance of the event. He described Chiha not only as a prominent political figure, philosopher, and poet, but also as a grandfather whose modern ideas continue to resonate in Lebanon’s collective memory.

He recounted Michel Chiha’s political journey, noting his early engagement in 1925 and his election as a Beirut deputy at just 34 years old. As secretary of the drafting committee for Lebanon’s first Constitution in 1926, Chiha authored much of the document, including the article limiting the presidential term to a single six-year, non-renewable term. Chiha saw that provision as vital to safeguarding institutional stability and integrity.

Michel Chiha’s commitment to the Constitution was evident in 1948 when he publicly opposed any revision aimed at re-electing his brother-in-law, President Béchara el-Khoury. In a letter to the President dated April 6, Chiha warned that “legislation is not only for oneself, but for future generations,” cautioning against a “dangerous precedent” that could destabilize the country in the hands of “an ambitious and unscrupulous president.”

This political opposition became a personal ordeal for Michel Chiha, who prioritized institutional respect over family ties. Two letters exchanged in April 1948, one analytical, the other more personal, marked an irreversible rift between the two men, who never reconciled.

Mr. Helou revealed that the letters, hidden since Marguerite Chiha’s death in 1996, were found in a room sealed for nearly 50 years. Now published, they offer new insight into Michel Chiha’s moral integrity and his high standards for public service.

In conclusion, Mr. Helou urged the audience to “understand Lebanon through the eyes and thoughts of Michel Chiha,” highlighting that his principles, rooted in exemplary conduct, moral credibility, and duty, remain deeply relevant today. On behalf of his family, he expressed deep gratitude to USJ, the BO, and the Michel Chiha Foundation for recognizing the historical value of these writings and honoring his grandfather’s memory.

Dr. Joseph Rustom, Director of the BO, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Michel Chiha Foundation and its president for entrusting USJ with this exceptional collection. He emphasized that this gesture commits the library to promote these archives, particularly among young Lebanese, enabling them to engage with Michel Chiha’s ideas and better understand the pivotal moments in their country’s history.

He noted that Chiha’s writings remain strikingly relevant, not only to Lebanon but also to Palestine, the Arab world, France, and Europe.

Dr. Rustom recalled with emotion Chiha’s study lamp left on, previously mentioned by Dr. Doumet Serhal, as a sign of his constant, vigilant thinking. He said this bright, ever-burning light perfectly captures the BO’s mission: to keep Chiha’s ideas alive, carry forward his legacy, and inspire future generations.

Read also: Remise des archives de Michel Chiha à l’USJ
Click here for photos