The Maronite community in Western Australia has celebrated the opening of the state’s first Maronite church. Source: The eRecord.
Formerly known as St Francis Catholic Church in East Cannington, the sacred space has been renovated and renamed St Charbel’s Church to meet the spiritual needs of Perth’s Maronite community.
The Church re-opening and consecration of the new altar on July 9 coincided with the Maronite Eparchy in Australia’s Golden Jubilee of its official establishment as a diocese.
In his homily, Maronite 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.
“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 Charbel’s and everyone who played a role in establishing a Maronite parish in Western Australia,” he said.
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Maronites breathe new life into East Cannington Church (The eRecord)
