On Sunday, 14 September 2025, Christ the Redeemer Maronite Parish in Baulkham Hills celebrated the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with a mass led by His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, Maronite Bishop of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, alongside Monsignor Shora Maree, Parish Priest, and Father Youssef Abou Zeid.

The Feast, a cornerstone of the Maronite liturgical calendar, honours the Cross as a symbol of redemption and divine love. Parishioners gathered in large numbers to reflect on the spiritual significance of the Feast and to participate in a day or prayer and worship.

Bishop Tarabay: “The Cross Is Our Present and Our Future”

 In his homily, Bishop Tarabay reflected on the meaning of the Cross in the life of the church and its people, stating, “The Cross teaches us that true greatness is found not in power or pride, but in self-giving love.” He continued, “Jesus did not embrace the Cross because He sought suffering, but because He loved us to the end. The Cross, then, is not simply a relic of the past. It is our present and our future; it is the way to eternal life.”

Bishop Tarabay also spoke about the Eucharist as a living encounter with Christ’s sacrifice, saying “The Cross and the Eucharist are inseparably bound together. In every Divine Liturgy, we are drawn once more to the mystery of Calvary. The Eucharist is not only a memorial but a real participation in the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. Each time we gather around the altar, we proclaim the life that springs from the Cross and we receive in the Eucharist the fruits of that sacrifice.”

Highlighting the Maronite traditions associated with this special Feast, Bishop Tarabay said, “For our Maronite Church, this feast carries some nice traditions. In Lebanon, bonfires are lit on the mountains to recall how Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine, announced the discovery of the True Cross. To this day, on the eve of the feast, our people light bonfires and gather around them, passing on the faith from one generation to the next.”

Safeguarding Sunday: A Commitment to Protection and Healing

The celebration coincided with Safeguarding Sunday, observed across Catholic parishes in Australia. This national initiative reaffirms the Church’s commitment to ensuring safe and nurturing environments for children and vulnerable people. During the Mass, prayers were offered for all safeguarding officers, volunteers, and families, and parish leaders reiterated their dedication to transparency, protection, and healing.

A Joyful Family Festival

Following the liturgical celebration, the parish hosted a vibrant Family Festival. Parishioners of all ages came together to enjoy food stalls, live music, games, and cultural performances. The event fostered a spirit of unity and joy, echoing Bishop Tarabay’s closing message: “Let us continue to build this parish as a place where faith shines brightly for all.”

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross remains a cherished tradition at Christ the Redeemer Parish, and this year’s celebration was a testament to the strength of faith and community.