Building a new church is both exciting and rewarding. As a community we learn to rely on the grace of God and the generosity of parishioners to build a house of prayer that is a focal point for the faith of a very diverse community.

Maronites began migrating to Victoria in the 1860’s, but it was not till 1955 that a Maronite Parish was formed with the arrival of Monsignor Paul El Khoury. The Parish purchased a little church at 357 Rathdowne Street in Carlton. The Community grew to such an extent that in 1989 the Maronite Community moved to the Sacred Heart Church in Carlton.

Some ten years ago it was decided to build a new church and move the Parish Centre. Land was purchased located at 230 Normanby Avenue, Thornbury and the Community began to plan and raise funds. The project was supported by loans from CDF. Arthur Andronas from Falkinger Andronas, Heritage Architects, was chosen as the Architect and John Samaha from Level Konstruct was chosen to be the project manager and builder.

The church, designed to be fan shaped, seats some 700 people and 300 cars can be parked on site. Beautiful Mosaics and stained glass windows reflecting the Eastern Traditions were made in Lebanon, as was the Altar and all the decorations.

Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church was opened on 8 March 2008 thanks to the faith and generosity of so many people.