His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay wrote:
This year the Feast of St Charbel is marked by a historic milestone for us all and most especially for the Maronite community in Perth, Western Australia.
After years of prayers, hard work and planning, we gathered on Sunday 9 July, with great joy, for the opening of the first Maronite parish in the state, St Charbel Maronite Church Perth in East Cannington.
This beautiful church, formerly St Francis Catholic Church, has undergone a loving restoration, and it is very fitting that it bears the name of a remarkable and much loved Maronite Saint.
I am very pleased that the opening of the Church and the consecration of the new altar form a momentous celebration during this remarkable year for our Maronite Eparchy in Australia – as we celebrate our 50th Jubilee.
It is also extraordinary, that we were able to have in our midst, the relics of our Maronite and Australian saints: St Maroun our spiritual father, with St Charbel, St Rafqa, St Nehmetallah, and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
I extend a special thanks to the Archdiocese of Perth and its esteemed Archbishop, Most Reverend Timothy Costelloe, for their kindness and support in allowing us to acquire and restore this church, ensuring it remains a place of holiness, evangelisation and worship.
I also wish to express my profound gratitude to Father Tony Moussa, our Parish Administrator, and acknowledge each and every individual whose support, dedication, and unwavering commitment have played a crucial role in bringing this parish to life. Your tireless efforts, whether big or small, have made a significant impact. My thanks to Vicar-General Monsignor Marcelino Youssef and Fr Richard Jabour for traveling to Perth to take part in this special occasion.
What was like a dream in 2014 when I first visited the parish here in East Cannington, has become a reality, a true story of holiness and openness.
May the grace of St Charbel guide us as we continue to extend our reach to Maronites throughout Australia, spreading our faith and serving our people wherever they reside in this beloved land. And may our Lord, through the intercession of the silent and prayerful Saint Charbel, guide us on our journey of faith. Amen.