Dr Hashem leads Maronites in annual celebration, full of praise and grief

15 Feb. 2020

(See Translation in Arabic section)

Sydney - M E Times Int'l: The Maronite League in Australia, headed by Dr. Anthony Said Al Hashem, held its annual celebration, under the patronage of Archbishop Antoine Charbel Tarabay at Dolton House, Sydney.

The event was presented by the radio presenter Susan Hourani. Then Bishop Tarabay started the prayer with a minute’s silence for the souls of the four Maronite children from the families of Abdullah and Sakr and for the victims of the bush fires.

The ceremony was attended by the president of the Legislative Council of NSW", Jean Ajaka, representing the NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, Charbel Macaron Lebanese Consul General in Sydney, Leader of the NSW Opposition, Judy McKayand MPs: Nick Lalish, Jean Sidoti, Julia Finn, Mark Corey, and leader of the One Nation Party in NSW, Mark Latham, Superior of St Charbel Charbel Abboud, Mayors of Karl Asfour, Antoine Doueihi, Jean Fakr, Angelo Tsirikas, Deputy Commissioner of Firefighting Services Bruce MacDonald representing Commissioner Schonwitz Simons, Regional President of the World Cultural Union Michel Doueihi, head of the Patriarchal Foundation for Comprehensive Development in Australia, Sarkis Nassif, President of the Australo-Lebanese Christian Council Camil Shelala, representatives of parties, priests and nuns, heads of Maronite institutions and the community.

BISHOP Tarabay spoke about the issue of the legislation of euthanasia, criticizing those trying to pass the law in Australia.

He praised firefighters and volunteers for fighting forest fires. He announced the provision of $30,000 in the name of the diocese through "Maronite Care" and with the support of the Maronite Association for Rural Fire Services.

 He announced the awarding of the Maroun annual medal to two members of the Maronite community from the rural fire services in honour of them and all volunteers.

Hashem

Dr. Anthony Said Hashem, the head of the Maronite League gave a speech in which he welcomed the attendance and thanked the supporters of the Association.

He told the audience: “In these testing times throughout Australia, the droughts and bushfires have taken their toll on most of our brothers and sisters across this great southern land. But it has also opened doors of opportunity for acts of generosity to be fully exposed.

“It was also encouraging to see the great support for Lebanon over Christmas as many families struggled to survive due to the devastating economic situation.

The National Education and Care Services NCES was honoured to support this project and provided over 1200 food boxes and other assistance through the Lebanon Christmas appeal.

“Furthermore, the NCES was happy to work … in providing over 500 food boxes to families in need during the month of January.

“Our cultural heritage are founded upon such acts of mutual support and endurance which have cultivated generations of faithful and courageous Maronites throughout the world and continues to do so in the circumstance we find ourselves.

“A sense of belonging, community and multiculturalism is evident in all our undertakings.

“The NCES takes pride in assisting … promoting the Maronite traditions and heritage … in particular, we aim to instil the Maronite spirit in the hearts and minds of current and future generations.

“The NCES commitment… to events and activities … is a sign of its members’ passion for the tradition and eagerness to perpetuate the Maronite faith and Christian values despite the challenges of living in an increasingly secular society.”

There were speeches by the President of the NSW Legislative Council, delivered by Jean Ajaka MLC, and by the NSW Leader of the Opposition, Judy McKay MP, in which they spoke of their appreciation for the role of Bishop Tarabay and the Maronite League and offered their condolences to the families of the children of Abdullah and Sakr.