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 known as St Francis Catholic Church of Queens Part/East Cannington Parish, the 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.
The new Maronite Eparchy St Charbel’s Church, East Cannington was officially re-opened and the Altar dedicated by Maronite Eparchy Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, Sunday 9 July. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.
The Church re-opening and consecration of the new altar is a momentous occasion that holds great significance for the Maronite Eparchy in Australia, as it coincides with the Golden Jubilee of its official establishment as a diocese in this great land, as well as the upcoming Feast of the Church’s beloved patron St Charbel on Sunday 16 July.
In his homily for the occasion, Maronite Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, 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.
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. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.
“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,” Bishop Tarabay said.
Bishop Tarabay also expressed his gratitude to all those who dedicated their time, talents, and resources to make St Charbel’s Church East Cannington a reality.
“I want to acknowledge and thank, in particular, the Archdiocese of Perth and its esteemed Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, for the invaluable support throughout the restoration process,” Bishop Taraby continued.
“My heartfelt appreciation to Father Tony Moussa, Parish Administrator of St Charbels and everyone who played a role in establishing a Maronite Parish in Western Australia,” he said.
Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarbay prepares to incense the new altar during the re-opening of St Charbel’s Church, East Cannington. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.
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.
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.
Hundreds of Maronite Catholics came together Sunday 9 July for the re-opening of the new St Charbel’s Church, East Cannington. Formerly known as St Francis’s Church, it was closed in February 2017. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.