A Message from H.E. Bishop Antoine Charbel TARABAY

MESSAGE OF HIS EXCELLENCY

BISHOP ANTOINE CHARBEL TARABAY

TO THE MARONITE COMMUNITY

Dear Beloved in Jesus-Christ Our Lord,

Since the publication of two media articles over the last week, I have been praying and reflecting.

The Clergy and Religious of our Church, and the many volunteers who work with them, are deeply committed and self-sacrificing people. They do much good in this world, for all the needy, not only for Maronites, and they do it with your support.

I am very saddened and feel sorrow for the hurt at the unjust and unfair reputational impact on our community, volunteers and works which flow from this media coverage.

I assure all of you that the Eparchy and I treat this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are working with our advisors to ensure that we get to the truth of these matters, that justice is done, that reputations are restored, but that we are also open to considering changes that might be necessary in a complex and changing world to ensure the ongoing success of our church’s mission.

This path is not easy to follow but we remember that Jesus is with us, and he never leaves his followers alone. “Do not be afraid little flock” (Luke 12:32), said the Lord, “I am with you always until the end of the ages” (Mathew 28:20).

In this month of October dedicated to the Veneration of Mary of the Most Holy Rosary, I invite you all to join me on Friday the 19th for a day of fasting, adoration and prayer for the truth to be always disclosed, fully and fairly. More information will follow.

May our Maronite Church Community remain united as one, in the love of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

+ Antoine-Charbel Tarabay

Maronite Bishop of Australia