Having founded most of its schools in rural regions, the Lebanese Maronite Order recognized, in the early 1960s, the need to expand its educational mission into urban centers. This opportunity presented itself in 1966, when the Marist Brothers offered for sale their esteemed institution in Jounieh, originally established in 1903.
In a pivotal moment for education and community development, Bishop Yuhanna Saade and Mr. Farid Hajjar Saade, then Mayor of Ghadir, played a decisive role in persuading the Lebanese Monks Organization (LMO) to acquire the Marist institution. They emphasized the strategic location of the school in the heart of Jounieh, its proximity to the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik—another cornerstone of LMO’s educational mission—and the profound Christian and academic purpose the institution served. With unwavering commitment to Lebanese youth and a longstanding legacy of service, the LMO purchased the property—land and building—in May 1966. It was soon renamed Central College of the Lebanese Monks – Jounieh, now affectionately known as CCJ.
Under the leadership of Bishop Youssef Mahfouz, then Director General of LMO schools, the renovation and preparation of the campus began with vigor. Thanks to the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of the team, CCJ welcomed its first cohort of students in October of that same year. Led by RP Jacques Skayem, the college’s first Father Superior, a dedicated team of monks and 29 teachers nurtured 368 students from kindergarten to Grade 3.
From that point forward, CCJ embarked on a continuous journey of expansion and renewal. The original building was renovated, and a series of new facilities were added to foster a holistic learning environment—physically, academically, and socially. These included:
• A preschool building
• A sports center
• A technical school
• A robotics center
• A music institute and studio
• Underground parking
• A big new parking added
• A daycare center
• Laboratories
• Libraries
• Exam halls
Each new structure was designed to echo the architectural elegance of the original building, preserving its arcades and aesthetic harmony.
In 1982, the LMO further extended its support by constructing a spacious residence in Hrajel, dedicating an entire floor to CCJ students. This serene retreat became a cherished space for spiritual retreats and formative experiences, where students could bond, reflect, and grow amidst the tranquility of nature and the warmth of the monastic community.