In a very special day for our community, a project which started in 2014 has become a reality, made even more special in the Golden Jubilee Year of the Maronite Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania.

The beautiful new statue of Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral, made specifically for the Parish, will in due course replace the existing statue atop the Co-Cathedral.

On behalf of the Maronite community, His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay expresses his gratitude to renowned international artist Rudy Rahme for a most beautiful image of Our Lady, and to the clergy, Stewardship Committee, staff and volunteers of Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral. Thank you also to Ms Violette Abouhamad for her very generous contribution.

The statue will be officially unveiled and blessed on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption on Monday 14 August, after a Divine Liturgy for the feast, celebrated by Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay at 6pm. The relics of our saints will also be farewelled as they are set to begin their journey to our Melbourne Parishes.

Let us reflect on all of these blessings in our community and more, beseeching our blessed Mother, Our Lady of Lebanon, to continue to watch over and protect her children wherever they may be.

Photo courtesy of Snapix.