The Maronite community in Western Australia is overjoyed following the opening of the first Maronite Catholic Church in Western Australia, and the consecration of the altar at St Charbel’s Church.
Formerly St Francis Catholic Church, this sacred space has been meticulously and lovingly renovated to meet the spiritual needs of the Maronite community in Perth, who had been eagerly anticipating a spiritual home in their State.
This occasion holds great significance for our Eparchy, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee as well as the feast of the Church’s beloved patron, St Charbel, on 16 July.
In his homily on this glorious occasion, His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay said the dedication and commitment of those who made the dream of a Maronite Church in Western Australia a reality will ensure its spiritual, theological and liturgical heritage is kept alive, especially for future generations.
He added, “This sacred space we now stand in, St Charbel’s Church, is not merely a building of bricks and mortar but a holy space that nurtures a strong sense of community, and that will inspire the Maronite community’s faith journey.”
The official opening of the Church of St Charbel was preceded by a special welcoming procession of the relics of Maronite and Australian Saints who have been visiting parishes all around the country – St Maroun, the Maronites’ spiritual father, St Charbel, St Rafqa, St Nehmetallah, and St Mary MacKillop – in a reliquary specially designed on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Maronite Eparchy of Australia.
We express our deepest gratitude to Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay for his dedication and leadership in making this dream a reality. His guidance and vision have paved the way for a beautiful spiritual home that will nurture our faith, and ensure our Maronite traditions can be cherished for generations to come.
We want to also acknowledge and thank Father Tony Moussa, and the parish community of St Charbel Maronite Church Perth, and the hard work and tireless efforts of all those involved in any way, in the loving restoration of this sacred space. Their dedication and passion have helped create a sanctuary where our faith traditions can flourish.
The newly renovated Church of St Charbel stands as a symbol of the unwavering dedication of the Maronite community of Western Australia to faith, heritage, and unity. It is a place where the community will come together to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in the Maronite tradition, partake in sacraments, and foster a strong sense of fellowship, strengthening their faith community.
