Sydney (Fides Service) - In 2005 for the first time ever relics of three Maronite saints, Charbel, Rafqa and Nemetallah have been brought from Lebanon to visit the consistent and lively community of Maronite Catholics in Australia. “This is a history making event for the Maronite Catholic Church in Australia. It is an opportunity to strengthen our faith, commemorate our origin and Maronite spiritual heritage” Maronite Bishop Ad Adikaram told the local Maronite community.
The relics will tour Australia from 1 October to 13 November visiting Maronite parishes in Queensland, Victoria, Southern Australia and New South Wales.
“We can rejoice with Charbel, Rafqa and Nemetallah, children of our blessed homeland. They have come to this distant continent to lead us closer to Jesus Christ, as they have led so many people through their holiness”, the Bishop said in a message announcing the arrival of the relics.
Bishop Adikaram encouraged the faithful to strive for profound spiritual formation and to bear witness to authentic Christian values “which we wish to be light for the world. The visit of our saints is a call to live a life of service of others ”, he wrote recalling the Maronite Saints are an essential part of the experience of faith and the history of the Maronite Church.
The Maronite Catholic Church in Australia and New Zealand has about 100,000 members, gathered in numerous parishes. It runs 8 schools and publishes its own Marounia circulated in 6,500 copies. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 4/10/2005 righe 27 parole 281)