It was a privilege to attend the St Rafqa Maronite Church Annual Fundraiser on 29 May, held under the patronage of His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay. The evening reflected the strong faith, generosity and unity that continues to define the parish community in Austral. St Rafqa Church has become an important spiritual and cultural centre for many local families, bringing people together through worship, service and community support. The fundraiser played a vital role in helping the parish continue its important work and future growth, ensuring it can keep supporting parishioners for generations to come. The event also followed recent celebrations marking the feast day of Saint Rafqa and the 25th anniversary of her canonisation, a significant milestone for the Maronite community worldwide. These celebrations highlighted themes of holiness, hope, forgiveness and faith through times of hardship. I thank the clergy, volunteers and organisers for their dedication and look forward to seeing the parish continue to grow and strengthen its contribution to the wider community.
St Rafqa Annual Fundraiser 2026
02 June 2026

