Thursday, 17 October 2024

Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (10:05): Last month I had the great honour of joining the member for Preston Nathan Lambert on a visit to the Maronite Our Lady of Lebanon church in Thornbury to celebrate the beatification of His Beatitude Patriarch Estephan El Douaihy. It was a truly special occasion, one that showcased the strength and unity of our community. I note that the Premier also visited the Maronite church of Our Lady of Lebanon, and the community really appreciated her visit. I want to thank her for her continued and meaningful engagement with our multicultural communities in the north.

The church of Our Lady of Lebanon is more than just a place of worship. It brings our Lebanese community together, creating a space where they can not only pray but also pass on their culture and traditions to future generations. From Bible studies to offering guidance and counselling, the church fosters deep connections, helping to form familiar bonds within the community here. The church is currently also running fundraisers to send aid to assist people in difficult circumstances in Lebanon. For their very significant and generous donations I want to thank all the Lebanese–Australian businesses that contributed to that fundraising effort.

I want to thank the clergy at the church for their continued leadership and support for the community during these challenging times. I will also take a moment to express my gratitude to Father Johnny Saba, who recently left the parish to begin a new mission. His gracious and warm leadership during his time here touched so many lives, and I wish him every blessing on his new journey.

Finally, a special thankyou to the entire committee of the Saidet Zgharta Association Australia and the former President of the Legislative Council Nazih Elasmar on this beautiful celebration. Shukran.