In a ceremony infused with faith and reverence, the Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church in Goulburn was officially opened on Saturday. Source: Maronite Eparchy.
Maronite Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay reconsecrated the altar and officially opened the historic church as part of the Maronite Eparchy’s pastoral plan to elevate the spiritual journey of the Maronite community in Canberra-Goulburn.
The event garnered added significance in the presence of the newly-elected General Superior of the Maronite Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Abbot Edmond Rizk, visiting from Lebanon for the occasion and to take part in a congress of Maronite bishops and religious orders later this month.
Abbot Rizk concelebrated the liturgy with Bishop Tarabay and Fr John-Paul Bassil, superior of the order in Australia and parish priest of Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church.
Bishop Tarabay said the reopening of the church as a Maronite church is a “momentous occasion that holds great significance for the Maronite Eparchy in Australia”
“It brings immense joy and renewed enthusiasm among Maronites in the Goulburn-Canberra region, who had eagerly anticipated having a spiritual home.
“The Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church and the adjoining monastery underwent meticulous restoration in 2020, preserving the sanctity of its spaces while ensuring suitability for the community’s needs. This landmark event not only renews the physical structures but also rejuvenates the spirit of the Maronite community in Goulburn and Canberra.”
Bishop Tarabay also expressed his gratitude to all those who played a part.
“My thanks to the congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, the previous owner of this chapel and convent and to Fr John-Paul Bassil, father superior and parish priest of Our Lady of Mercy, its parishioners and all those who travelled to be here for the opening of this beautiful church.”
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Reconsecration of Altar and Official Opening Marks a New Chapter for Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church Goulburn (Maronite Eparchy)
