Family of Divine Word

The Family of the Divine Word (FDW) is dedicated to deepening the understanding and practice of the Maronite Catholic faith through scripture study, reflection, and community engagement. FDW holds weekly Bible study sessions in Arabic every Tuesday evening, exploring themes that guide parishioners in living the Gospel in their daily lives.

In 2024, the program followed the theme “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor 12:9), inspired by Pope Francis’s “Year of Prayer.” Parishioners reflected on biblical texts, the lives of Maronite saints, and figures from both Testaments, learning to recognize and respond to God’s grace. Pope Francis’s writings, including On Confidence and Amoris Laetitia, were incorporated into the sessions.

In 2025, the Jubilee Year of Hope, the Bible study program was guided by the theme “Covenant’s Faithful Kingdom’s Pilgrims,” aligned with the Church’s Jubilee theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.” Sessions approached the topic from four perspectives: faithfulness and covenant, holiness and hope, pilgrimage and the journey of faith, and living the Kingdom of God in daily life.

FDW also hosts an annual two-day retreat. In 2024, the retreat theme was “Is the Kingdom of God a grace or merit?” with Sr Rose-Therese Tannous, Founder of FDW, as the main speaker. In 2025, the retreat was held at St Rafqa, Austral, with Sisters Rita Bou Raffoul and Juliette Abi Khalil. Two additional spiritual and social days were held at the Maronite Marian Monastery in Goulburn with Fr John Paul Bassil, and at Our Lady of Mercy, Berrima.

This year, FDW marked several milestones. The First General Conference since 2009 convened during Great Lent, under the patronage of His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay and the participation of OLOL Dean, Fr Danny Nouh, allowing reflection on FDW’s mission and planning for the future. Vice President Charlotte Doro was awarded the Medallion of Hope for her outstanding service to FDW and the Church, and Chaplain Deacon Ghassan Nakhoul was ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay.

Through weekly reflections, retreats, spiritual days, and community service, FDW continues to guide parishioners in faith, hope, and the lived experience of God’s grace.