Appointment of Rev. Fr. Louis Ferkh (LMO)

As Superior for Saint. Charbel’s Monastery and College in Punchbowl – Australia

The Lebanese community in Sydney-Australia, particularly the Maronites is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Louis Ferkh as Superior for St. Charbel’s Monastery and College.  He will take over this position from Fr. Joseph Sleiman who has now been appointed as Director General to the Lebanese Maronite Order in Lebanon and abroad.

Fr. Ferkh holds several university degrees: in theology, philosophy and in liturgical science from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik.  He also holds a master degree in Public Relations from the University of Grand Rapids, Michigan USA.  Furthermore, he has also completed a masters in Educational Administration from the University of New South Wales in Sydney and a doctorate in Management and International Relations from the University of Salford-Limerick in the United Kingdom. This educational background will bring a wealth of outstanding leadership skills in administration and public relations.  In addition, he has a diverse experience with the Lebanese diaspora, where he pursued his university studies and served the Maronites in several countries.

As Dean of both the School of Business Administration and the School of Law at Kaslik University, Fr. Ferkh has initiated major change by contributing to the development of educational programs through the implementation of the American credit system, creating new majors, introducing English courses, as well as, a mandatory syllabus for all courses to improve teaching skills for both schools, and fostered a valuable and extensive connection between the University and business employers both locally and internationally. In addition, he has also lectured at several universities in Lebanon teaching the following courses: managerial leadership, organisational behaviour, human resources, and the impact of Lebanese migration.

In 2013, Fr. Ferkh was appointed by the Maronite Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi as coordinator of the Maronite Expansion Office in Bkerke. In this role he set the vision, mission, goals and various programs in order to enhance the connectivity between the Lebanese living abroad around the globe and their country of origin by promoting how they should uphold their values and preserve their cultural identity.

Furthermore, to strengthen his collaboration with the Lebanese worldwide, Fr. Ferkh organised a global tour that began in September 2015 with the objective of creating an effective collaboration network and promote his Office’s programs. The trip included: Australia, the United States, Canada and Mexico.  In addition, his purpose was to strengthen cooperation and coordination with the Maronite bishops, parish priests, Lebanese parties, associations and community members.  Furthermore, encouraging them to work under the umbrella of the church in order to ensure integrity, and continuity.  The following programs were designed to fulfil the Office mission and aims: the publication of the first Maronite Directory 2015, accredited elective courses in Lebanon for university students of Lebanese origin, missionary studies for the clergy who wish to serve churches abroad, and Religious tourism programs for families.

Father Ferkh is considered to be a stupendous monk, visionary and strategist.  Known for his new constructive and creative ideas and brilliant communication skills, he is a vibrant and warm person.  In addition, he has excellent communication and listening skills. His managerial approach is based on human empathy, transparency, teamwork and respect for others. Furthermore, he possesses admirable conflict resolution and mediation skills and is always able to implement adaptable solutions to any issue that arises.

In conclusion, we are confident and certain that Father Superior will no doubt continue the mission of his predecessors, the monks who have served and continue to serve the Maronite Community across all levels, with dedication and compassion to continue building the ministry of the Lebanese Maronite Order. Fr. Ferkh will be working closely and collaboratively with his Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, as well as, other bishops, clergy, government officials, political parties and associations, and the community for the prosperity and well-being of all. 

During his mandate in Australia, he will positively continue to strengthen and develop this important relationship by reaching out to various other organisations, in order to foster spiritual growth amongst the Maronite community in Australia. Furthermore, to mobilise and keep strong ties with the country of origin with the objective to preserve its values and identity, and to remain a notable added value, enriching the Australian multicultural society.