H.E. Bishop Antoine Charbel Tarabay
A festival and a Mass on the occasion of St. Charbel 41st anniversary
“We are inspired by his example to live our lives through sacrifice, devotion and charity” Rev Fr Louis Ferkh Superior
“In Australia, we are fortunate to live in a land of acceptance and encouragement” Prime Minister Scott Morrison
9/10/2018
Sydney - M. E. Times Int'l: On the occasion of the 41st anniversary of Father Charbel Makhlouf commemoration, the 20th century hermit, on the altar of the Catholic Apostolic Church, the Pastoral Council of St. Charbel Church organized a cross-cutting festival, both in its spiritual and artistic aspects. It was accessible to all categories and involving a commemorative mass presided over by his H.E. Bishop Antoine Charbel Tarabay, the patron of the diocese, in presence of a large audience of believers from all denominations and a number of Official Guests included Mr Jihad Dib MP, State Member for Lakemba, representing Mr Luke Foley, Leader of the NSW Opposition, Mr Glenn Brookes MP, State Member for East Hills, MS Tania Mihailuk MP, State Member for Bankstown, Councillor Khal Asfour, Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown, Councillor Nadia Saleh, Deputy Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown, representatives of political parties and associations, sponsors and event supporters.
Bishop Tarabay with Official guests and Monks in church
Minister David Coleman (1stL), Fr. Louis Ferkh and other guests at the Festival
Father Dr. Louis Al-Farkh Superior of St. Charbel Monastery, made the opening speech, followed by Hon. David Coleman MP the Minister of Immigration on behalf of the Prime Minister.
Speech by Rev Fr Louis Ferkh Superior
Today, is a traditional gathering here at St Charbel’s, as we commemorate the Canonisation of our beloved St Charbel, the patron of our Mission. We are inspired by his example to live our lives through sacrifice, devotion and charity. Your presence here today, is a testament of your support for the St. Charbel’s Mission, an appreciation of its vibrant role, recognition of its particularities, of its values and cultural heritage within this community. We thank you all for your continuous and genuine support.
We also thank the Honourable David Coleman, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, and Federal Member for Banks, who today represented the Prime Minister the Honourable Scott Morrison, and helped open today’s event. May I take this opportunity to give thanks to all who have been contributing to the development of this Mission since its establishment in 1972.
During the Mass
In particular, the significant role of His Excellency Bishop Tarabay, during his time as Superior and Principal here at St Charbel’s. His role continues now as our Shepherd. Special thanks to my brothers, the Monks who are the soul of this Mission, who work tirelessly with dedication, care and grace. May Saint Charbel always enlighten them in their Ministry, as they give and serve with love and humility.
We cannot speak of development and success of this pastoral, educational and Care centre institution, without mentioning our government representatives support and the active role and endless support of our church committees, our youth groups, our parishioners and the community at large.
Finally, a special thanks to all the event volunteers, organisers, supporters and exhibitors, community organizations and gusts. Indeed, without your presence, involvement, and kindness, today would not have been possible.
We thank God for the achievements of this Mission to remain a place where everybody feels at home, well served and happily welcomed. Let us ask God through the intercession of St. Charbel to bless this country and its leaders to continue serving in dedication and honesty.
During the Mass
To protect our families, enlighten our youth, grant hope to the needy, grant good health to the sick, eternal rest to our deceased. And peace to our country Australia and Lebanon.
Thank you all.
Message from the Prime Minister read by Hon. David Coleman MP, the Minister for Immigration
The canonisation of Charbel Makhlouf was a moment of deep significance for those of Maronite faith, and for all inspired by his example of sacrifice and devotion.
And just as St. Charbel chose a life of dedication to the Gospel, I hope that today the Maronite community finds its faith undiminished and, indeed strengthened, by his moment of commemoration.
In Australia, we are fortunate to live in a land of acceptance and encouragement, where respect for different cultural and religious traditions is part of our national story.
The annual St. Charbel Community Festival is a resounding affirmation of this aspiration, and of the diversity that gives our society strength.
During the Festival
With these thoughts in mind, I send my warmest wishes to everyone today, and sincerely thank the organisers for making it possible.
The Hon. Scott Morrison MP
Prime Minister of Australia
3rd October 2018
During the Festival
