Fr. Antoine Tarabay OLM

Archbishop Denis Hart, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has welcomed the appointment by the Holy Father, Pope Francis, of Fr. Antoine Tarabay O.L.M. (Lebanese Maronite Order) as Bishop of the Diocese of St. Maroun (Maronites) in Australia.

“For the Australian Bishops, I warmly welcome the appointment by Pope Francis of Fr. Antoine Tarabay to the Maronite diocese of Australia”, said Archbishop Hart.

“He brings great expertise in Moral Theology, Bioethics and business studies as well as rich pastoral experience and monastic leadership.”

Fr. Tarabay was born in Northern Lebanon in 1967, and was ordained a priest in 1993.

He is currently rector of St. Charbel’s monastery, church and college in Punchbowl, New South Wales.

He completed a Doctorate in Moral Theology at the Alfonsiana Faculty of the Lateran University in a comparative study of Bioethical teachings in the Catholic and Muslim traditions.

“Fr. Tarabay is a very worthy addition to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, and will be welcomed by bishops and people alike”, said Archbishop Hart.

“We offer prayers and congratulations on his appointment and look forward to his gifted presence and work among us. May the Lord bless him and the people of the vibrant diocese of St. Maroun.”

Archbishop Hart extended his thanks to Bishop Ad Abikaram for his exceptional leadership of the Maronite Church in Australia.

“I extend our thanks, prayers and wishes to Bishop Ad Abikaram the emeritus bishop. We are deeply grateful for his educational leadership and valued pastoral work in Australia. May his retirement bring special blessings and peace.”

For media enquiries, please contact Beth Doherty on 0407 081 256 or media@catholic.org.au