A Legacy of Faith, Service and Community
 

The story of Our Lady of Lebanon Parish is one of faith, perseverance, and a deep commitment to preserving the Maronite heritage in Australia.
 

The Maronite Catholic Church has been present in Australia since the arrival of the first Lebanese migrants in the mid-1800s. These pioneers brought with them a rich spiritual tradition, a strong sense of family, and an unwavering faith that would become the foundation of thriving Maronite communities across the country.
 

As the Lebanese community grew, so too did the need for pastoral care. This led to the establishment of Australia's first Maronite parish, Saint Maroun's in Redfern, Sydney, in 1897. Over the following decades, Maronite priests, religious orders and lay faithful worked tirelessly to establish churches, schools and community organisations that would serve future generations.
 

The Beginning of the Maronite Church in Melbourne
 

Although Maronites had settled in Melbourne since the 1850s, their numbers were initially small and they relied on visiting clergy for spiritual support. By the early 1950s, the growing community recognised the need for a resident priest.
 

Led by community leader Mr Joe Mansour, representatives approached the Bishop of Tripoli in Lebanon and requested a priest to serve Melbourne's Maronite faithful. Their request was answered in November 1955 when Father Paul El-Khoury arrived in Melbourne, becoming the first resident Maronite priest in Victoria.
 

Father Paul immediately set about gathering the community and establishing a permanent spiritual home. His vision became a reality in 1958 with the purchase of a former Congregational Church in Rathdowne Street, Carlton. Following extensive renovations, the church was solemnly consecrated on 16 August 1959 as Our Lady of Lebanon Church.
 

A Home for New Migrants
 

Under Father Paul's leadership, the parish quickly became far more than a place of worship. It became a centre of faith, culture, and support for newly arrived Lebanese families.
 

Many migrants arriving in Melbourne found their first sense of belonging through the parish community. Father Paul personally welcomed families arriving at Port Melbourne, helped them find accommodation and employment and provided practical assistance during their settlement in Australia. Generations of volunteers also contributed their time and talents, creating a strong and vibrant community centred on faith and mutual support.
 

Growth and Expansion
 

As Melbourne's Maronite population continued to grow, so too did the parish. New properties were acquired, community facilities were developed, and pastoral services expanded to meet the needs of future generations.
 

The arrival of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family, the Antonine Sisters, and the Antonine Monks strengthened the spiritual, educational, and social life of the community. Their dedication led to the establishment of schools, childcare services, aged care facilities, youth ministries and numerous community initiatives that continue to serve families today.

A significant milestone came in 1973 when the Holy See established the Maronite Eparchy of Australia under the patronage of Saint Maroun, recognising the flourishing Maronite presence throughout the nation.
 

Building for the Future
 

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the parish embarked on an ambitious vision to create a new spiritual home for Melbourne's growing Maronite community.
 

This vision culminated in the construction of the present Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Thornbury. Following years of planning, fundraising, and the generosity of parishioners, the new church was consecrated on 8 March 2008. The occasion marked a historic moment for Melbourne's Maronites and reflected the faith, sacrifice, and commitment of generations who helped build the parish.
 

The parish continued to expand its ministries through the establishment of Saint Paul's Hostel, Antonine College, community centres, youth facilities, and outreach services across Melbourne.
 

Our Parish Today
 

Today, Our Lady of Lebanon Parish stands as a testament to the faith and vision of those who came before us. What began as a small community served by visiting priests has grown into a vibrant parish serving thousands of faithful across Melbourne.
 

The parish remains committed to its mission of proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the Maronite liturgical tradition, nurturing faith in future generations, and serving the wider community with love, compassion and hope.
 

As we honour our past, we continue to build for the future, inspired by the sacrifices of our pioneers and guided by our faith in Christ and the intercession of Our Lady of Lebanon.