The Opening of the Maronite Art Exhibition At St Charbel’s College Hall

By Marcelle Mansour

Friday evening 31st October 2014, an exciting art exhibition opened at St Charbel’s College Multipurpose Hall which showed a various talents of the amazing students in art, music and performing arts. 

Under the high patronage of His Beatitude and Eminence, Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Cardinal, Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and the entire East.  In attendance of a crowd of community members, many dignitaries, and church leaders including, His Excellency Bishop Antoine–Charbel Tarabay Maronite Bishop of Australia, The Most Reverend Abbot Tannous Nehme Superior General of the Maronite Order, Rev. Fr Joseph Sleiman Superior of St Charbel’s Parish and the Monks of the LMO in Australia. This artistic and cultural event was a part of the schedule on the occasion of His Beatitude Cardinal, Rai’s his first ever visit to Sydney and to St Charbel’s college. 

Following the Australian and Lebanese national anthems, The college presented a number of talents including: “St Charbel’s College Choir” conducted by Reverend Father Tenuous Ghossein, accompanied by Ms Trudy Andrews (piano) & Daniella El-Azzi (violen) & coordinated by Mars Marie Sandrussi. “Secondary Students Dabke Group” coordinated by Mr Melhem Kairouze. Mrs Jamal Kairouz & Mrs Rita Boutros. “We Are Australians” presented by year 11 students Andrew Boustani, Eleanora Deeb and Mary Chaghoury accompanied by Mrs Trudy Andrews...” شو في خلف البحر  “ performed by Antonia Chahine, year 6 accompanied by Mr Joseph Sarofin. “I Still Call Australia Home” performed by year 10 students, John Saidi and Thea Boutros. And finally “Joined in Communion” performed by St Charbel’s College Coire. 

The program was followed by his Beattiude Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros’s delivering an elaborate speech. In his speech, he stressed the need for the common work of (WE) instead of (I) that unites the two, Christians and Muslims at present critical time, he added the two peoples should be strong and enthusiastic to preserve the message of unity, respecting the ‘other’ and living in peace under the guidance of one president to protect the country and to correctly lead the nation of Lebanon.

His Beatitude then addressed the young generations of students and praised their talents and their love and feeling of belonging to their home Australia, reminding them to empower themselves with values and knowledge to overcome difficulties and to keep progressing, he also thanked all the participants for their tireless efforts and great contribution that made the event very successful.

Following the Patriarch’s speech, Mr Tom J. Mourad presented the Patriarch with a magnificent sculpture of his artwork that is carved of cedar tree wood. 

The event ceremony ended with artwork viewing and appreciating. 

It was with pride and honour to have received such a historic visit with all warm congratulations to the Maronite Parish on its opening the Art Exhibition for it is an actual contribution to art and culture in the culturally diverse Australia.