Bishop Tarabay: “In this Jubilee Year of Hope, the celebration of the first anniversary of Our Lady Mercy Place is a celebration of hope.”
Our Lady Mercy Place Harris Park proudly marked its first anniversary on 30 January 2025, with a special mass celebrated by His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, in the presence of residents, representatives from Mercy Health, clergy and staff members. The milestone is of special significance, as it also coincides with the Jubilee Year of Hope, celebrated in the Catholic Church throughout 2025.
Bishop Tarabay acknowledged the growth of the centre, from welcoming its first resident last year to reaching 69 residents in just one year. He expressed gratitude to those involved in running the facility and commended the dedication of the staff and volunteers. “This centre stands as a testament to our commitment to the elderly and to the values of love, care, and dignity. Our celebration today is a celebration of hope. We thank God for the people here: the residents, the staff, and the families who trust us with their loved ones,” said Bishop Tarabay.
Reflecting on the Jubilee of Hope, he added, “The Jubilee of Hope is a time for renewal and a reminder to care for those in need. By focusing on elderly care, the community demonstrates a commitment to honouring the dignity of seniors and ensuring that they live their later years with respect, dignity, and joy.”
The opening of Our Lady Mercy Place on 30 January 2024 marked the culmination of a nine-year journey by the Maronite Eparchy and the dedication of Our Lady Aged Care Centre (OLACC) board members. This milestone is not only significant for the centre but also represents a celebration for the entire community, symbolising the commitment to care for our elderly.
Antoinette Badawi, who has lived at the centre for 10 months, shared her personal journey: “I go to church every day, and I enjoy it very much. On weekends, my kids take me home. When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay. I asked God for a sign, and one night, I dreamt of an angel on top of the nursing home with open arms. I knew then that was my sign to stay.” Despite living with canvas syndrome, Antoinette finds peace and comfort in the care and community at Our Lady Mercy Place.
Sonya Darwish, Service Manager at the Centre, emphasised the strong sense of community the facility offers. “This centre is big on the community atmosphere with Our Lady of Lebanon Church located closely behind. We want to bring the community into our home and also take our residents into the community. We have great involvement with local childcare centres and schools where students visit our home regularly,” said Darwish. With 25 years of experience in aged care, she highlighted the three pillars of success: “Wonderful activities for the residents to enjoy, fabulous food, and most importantly, a home full of love and happiness.”
Marie Nassif Shebl, Pastoral Carer, who has been with the centre since its opening, shared her passion for the work she does. “It is my passion to be here. The elderly here are my passion and my reward. It is an amazing experience. We offer a variety of activities, like praying the Rosary every Tuesday and holding Adoration every Thursday,” said Shebl. “Elderly care is an essential part of Bishop Tarabay’s pastoral priorities, and it is a privilege to serve in such a meaningful way.”
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety highlighted the preference for community-based care to promote independence and reduce isolation. In this spirit, Our Lady Mercy Place has become a place of comfort and care, reflecting the Maronite Eparchy’s commitment to elder care. The first anniversary celebrates the centre’s achievements, the contributions of its staff, and its dedication to providing a loving, nurturing environment for all residents.
For more information about Our Lady Mercy Place Residential Aged Care Home, please visit https://residential-care.mercyhealth.com.au/homes/aged-care-homes/our-lady-mercy-place-harris-park/.
About Our Lady of Mercy Aged Care Centre
Our Lady Mercy Place Harris Park is a faith-based facility dedicated to providing high-quality care for seniors in a community-centred environment. Opened in January 2024, the centre is committed to creating a warm and supportive home for its residents, reflecting the values of compassion and dignity. The centre is part of the Maronite Eparchy’s broader mission to serve the elderly with love and respect.