The Living Word

Over the past year, the Living Word committee has continued its mission to deepen the faith and spiritual understanding of our Maronite community through regular formation talks. We welcomed a diverse range of speakers who brought depth and perspective to topics ranging from Scripture and Church teaching to living a life centred on Christ. Over the year, we have welcomed the writings of the likes of St Ephrem the Syriac, St Jacob of Serugh, and St Isaac the Syriac, to ensure that we are ever connected to our Syriac and Maronite tradition. Our Lenten series was an example of this, as it focused on Old Testament prophecies of the Passion of Christ; a typological approach, similar to that of our Syriac Fathers.

One of the highlights of this past year was the compilation and release of a parish-wide prayer book, a project that was born out of a shared desire to nurture both personal and communal prayer life. The book features a rich collection of Maronite prayers, including our Christmas Novena, and the Fridays of Lent Evening Prayers and Adoration of the Cross, along with our beloved Catholic prayers from the wider Church.

The response from the parish was overwhelmingly positive; many have shared how the prayer book has become a daily companion in their spiritual routines. It has helped unify our community in prayer, especially during liturgical seasons and parish events, and has been particularly impactful for those seeking to reconnect with their Maronite roots. With hope and renewed purpose, we look forward to the year ahead, trusting that the Lord will continue to bless our efforts and draw our community ever closer to Him.