Our Maronite Church, deeply rooted in tradition and rich in history, has witnessed notable celebrations over the past 12 months that bring us closer to God and strengthening our commitment to walk in the footsteps of our Father, St Maroun.
Last year, our Maronite history was marked by the Beatification of Patriarch Estephan Douaihy on 2 August 2024, a leader whose life, works, and ministry have shaped our Maronite Church.
Alongside Patriarch Douaihy, our church was also blessed on 20 October 2024 by the canonisation of the Massabki brothers—three Maronite laymen who were martyred for their faith. Their story of sacrifice and faith is a source of inspiration for us today, especially in a world that often seems to be drifting away from the sacred and the eternal.
The beatification of Patriarch Estephan Douaihy and the canonisation of the Massabki brothers remind us that holiness is a living reality in our church. Their faith and sacrifice continue the journey that began with St Maroun, the spiritual father of our church. As we celebrate his feast on 9 February, we are reminded that holiness is not confined to history but is a calling for every generation, including our own.
St Maroun, the monk, the priest, and the hermit, lived in the 4th century, yet from his deep spirituality and testimony, we witnessed the birth of the Maronite church in the 7th century.
The Gospel of this feast is the Parable of the Mustard Seed. This plant had one of the smallest seeds in ancient Galilee, yet it grew to be the largest bush of all, often reaching the size of a small tree where birds would make their nests. Our Lord used this as a symbol of the Kingdom of Heaven, for like the mustard bush, it begins with something very small—a simple act of faith in God and His teachings—yet it grows into something far greater.
Our Maronite Church is also like the mustard seed. St Maroun founded a spiritual movement, made up of monks, nuns, and people from all walks of life, who believed in Jesus Christ and preached the Gospel. Those converted to Christianity by the disciples of St Maroun throughout the region of Antioch became known as Maronites.
The small seeds planted by a humble hermit have flourished into a large tree in Lebanon and all lands of the Expansion. Today, Maronites continue to bear witness to their faith with zeal and loyalty all around the world, especially here in Australia, where they take great pride in their traditions, spirituality, and identity.
The growth of the Maronite Church is not just a story of the past; it is a living reality today. Here in Australia, this faith took root through the establishment of St Maroun’s Church in Redfern, which this year marks the 60th anniversary of the blessing of the new church.
St Maroun’s Cathedral holds a unique place in the hearts of Australian Maronites, being the first Maronite church in this land. Its history dates back to 1897, when the first Maronite priests celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the old church at the same site.
For generations, St Maroun’s Church has been a spiritual home, a place where Maronites gather to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, share in fellowship, connect to their roots and identity, and renew their commitment to their faith in God. The history of St Maroun’s Church is therefore a testimony to resilience and perseverance, inseparable from the broader history of the Maronite community in Australia.
This year, as we reflect on the life of St Maroun and on the example of the saints and martyrs, we are also called to acknowledge the importance of holiness in our own lives. Holiness is a source of hope, and in this Year of Hope, we are called to be pilgrims of hope and to promote hope in our lives and interactions with others.
The Feast of St Maroun provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our own commitment to the Maronite faith and to ask ourselves how we can continue to build upon the legacy of those who have gone before us. How can we preserve and promote our Maronite Antiochian Syriac identity?
As we celebrate this Year of Hope with joy and anticipation, we are reminded that our Maronite Church is not only rooted in history but alive in the present, vibrant with faith, and full of hope for the future. May this Jubilee be a time of spiritual growth, renewal, and commitment for us all. Let us grow in holiness and, through our lives, bring hope to the world around us.
Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay is the 4th Maronite Bishop of Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania.