Université La Sagesse
History – Mission – Values – Vision
Anchored in Greater Lebanon, Université La Sagesse, promotes, in its mission of education, research, and community involvement, the Christian and universal values of freedom, justice, social responsibility, and human dignity.
A Journey of Academic Excellence
Years of History
Legacy and Historical Overview
La Sagesse (Al-Hikma) gained renown for its law instruction during the Ottoman Empire, a period when advocating for rights was a perilous endeavour. It was a pioneer in teaching Islamic jurisprudence in Arabic in the Arab region, featuring esteemed scholars such as Sheikh Yusuf Al-Asir and Sheikh Mohieddin Al-Yafi. The teaching of Sharia at the Archbishop’s School held profound national and dialogic significance. Over fifty years, from its establishment in 1875 until its temporary closure at the onset of World War I, La Sagesse Higher Institute for Law graduated numerous legal and administrative professionals in Lebanon and neighbouring countries.
1961-1985
Fr. Louis Al-Helou
(later Archpriest)
1986
Fr. Abdullah Al-Bared
(later Bishop)
1986-1997
Fr. Paul Akl
1997-2001
Msgr. Marcel Al-Helou
2001-2011
Msgr. Joseph Merhej
2015-
Fr. Khalil Chalfoun
-
Msgr. Camille Moubarak
-
Prof. Lara Boustany
2023-
Prof. Georges Nehme
After the events of 1860, around thirty thousand Maronite Lebanese sought refuge in Beirut. Recognizing the need for educational institutions, their bishops decided to establish a school. Bishop Tobia Aoun initially conceived the idea, but it was his successor, Bishop Youssef Debs, who brought it to fruition. Observing the educational needs of the Maronites, Debs saw the necessity of founding a major school in Beirut with the vision of it becoming a national university.
In his preserved writings at the Deir El Karim monastery, Father Al-Sebaalani recounts Debs’ narrative of the founding context and the academic system of La Sagesse Institution. In his 1875 appeal, Archbishop Debs stated, “We especially desire to open a law school because this science has been neglected in our country. We wish to teach not only Ottoman law but also various European laws.”
Father Louis Cheikho s.j. wrote in a 1926 article in “Al-Mashriq” magazine, titled “The Golden Jubilee of La Sagesse School,” that Debs established courses in jurisprudence to teach Turkish State Laws and Islamic Jurisprudence. At that time, there was no specific law school, so teaching it at La Sagesse was a blessing that benefited many students, enabling them to serve the national courts with competence and extensive knowledge.
Father Michel Hayek, in his introduction to Debs’ book “الجامع المفصّل في تاريخ الموارنة المؤصّل,” noted that Debs revived the Beirut School of Jurisprudence by establishing a branch at La Sagesse, unmatched in the Ottoman territories except for the Law School in Al-Istanah. Exams were conducted in the presence of the governor and jurists, and successful candidates were granted a license.
Archpriest Louis Al-Helou recounted in a March 5, 1979, in an interview with “An-Nahar” newspaper that the law institute was established in 1875, granting a degree on par with the Istanbul School’s degree. Among the professors were Sheikh Yusuf Al-Asir and a professor from the Al-Naqqash family. The institute continued its mission until 1912. When Archbishop Ziade thought of reviving part of Debs heritage, he founded a law institute near the archbishopric.
In the sixties, the Lebanese state decided to restrict the law degree to the Lebanese University alone. An establishment was included allowing institutes existing before the law’s issuance to continue. This enabled La Sagesse Institute to revive its law institute based on its seniority and the decree granted by the Ottoman Sultan for teaching law.
Bishop Youssef Debs’ dream was realised, as Father Michel Hayek stated:
“We have a university in the full sense of the word, as envisioned and organized in Europe during his time.”
The revival of this institute was practically achieved on November 6, 1961, shortly before the issuance of the private higher education organisation law on December 26, 1961.
In 1999, in less than a year, La Sagesse witnessed three significant milestones in its academic journey:
- On June 28, 1999, the cornerstone for the new university buildings in Furn El Chebbak was laid under the patronage of His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir.
- On December 1, 1999, the Council of Ministers approved the establishment of new faculties at Université La Sagesse. The approval was issued by decree No. 1947 dated December 21, 1999.
- On January 3, 2000, the Pontifical Council for Education approved the recognition of Université La Sagesse as a pontifical university with the exclusive privilege of awarding degrees in canon law to all students of Catholic Churches in the East in collaboration with the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome.
Mission and Core Values
Université La Sagesse, a Lebanese, Catholic, private, and non-profit institution, was founded in 1875 by the Maronite Archdiocese of Beirut.
A reputable university whose mission is to prepare generations of Lebanese youth for the changing labor market and to support active members of society in their quest for knowledge.
Sagessians are vectors of progress and innovation, free-willed to make the right choice, open-minded, and committed to good values and hard work; they work for united citizenship and for a society based on justice, transparency, and ethics.
Anchored in Greater Lebanon, Université La Sagesse, promotes, in its mission of education, research, and community involvement, the Christian and universal values of freedom, justice, social responsibility, and human dignity.
Vision
Université La Sagesse aims to become a center for fundamental and applied research that meets the evolving needs of the market.
A conducive environment for pluralism and cultural diversity, Université La Sagesse is an ideal ground for dialogue. It will build the entrepreneurial spirit of young people, thus facilitating their professional integration.
Rooted in the city, Université La Sagesse works to promote the culture of life and family.
Aware of the role of the University in contributing to social development, Université La Sagesse will promote institutionalisation and transparency. It will fight corruption.