The Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family in Sydney, Australia, celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass marking the beatification of Patriarch Elias Howayek and his recognition as Blessed by the Catholic Church.

The Holy Mass was presided over by His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, Bishop of the Maronite Diocese of Australia, at Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral in Harris Park. He was joined by His Excellency Bishop Robert Rabbat, Superior General of the Lebanese Maronite Missionaries, Rev. Fr Elias Sleiman, and a number of diocesan priests.

The celebration was attended by Mother Superior Sister Marie Antoinette Saade, together with a number of religious sisters, Lebanese Consul General in Sydney Mr Raymond Chamlaty, diocesan committee leaders, The president of ladies of the Gospel Mona Kaltoum Rahme and a large congregation of faithful.

In his homily, Bishop Tarabay highlighted the importance of holiness in the life of the Church and its faithful, emphasising the call to return to the roots and fundamental values upon which we build our homeland.

Following the Mass, a gathering was held around a table of fellowship in the church hall. Mother Superior Sister Marie Antoinette Saade and Bishop Tarabay each addressed the gathering, reflecting on the significance of this historic ecclesiastical and national occasion and the importance of Blessed Patriarch Elias Howayek’s legacy and mission for the Church and Lebanon.

The celebration concluded with a prayer that, through the intercession of Blessed Patriarch Elias Howayek, the Lord may grant us a share of his faith when our confidence grows weak, his courage when we are afraid, his wisdom when the winds of disagreement and division trouble us, and his hope when the future appears uncertain.