During our
mission time in Sydney Australia, we were absolutely overwhelmed by the
outpouring of love and support we received from our families, friends and
parishioners.
Sr. Therese
Maria Touma, Natalie Salameh and Petra Nakhoul (who will join the Maronite
Servants in June) are Australian. All three families of these young women
graciously and generously hosted four “friendraisers” for the Maronite Servants
of Christ the Light. These “friend-raisers”
were an opportunity for us to share our vocation stories and witness to the joy
of consecrated life (fitting for this Year of Consecrated Life).
The friend-raisers were a great way to raise awareness of our mission
as Maronite Servants of Christ the Light and thereby generate a wider group of
supporters.
Sr. Therese
Maria’s sister, Alison Touma, hosted the first of our “friend-raisers” among
her fellow housewives circle of friends. Mother Marla Marie spoke to them about
their beautiful vocation of marriage and motherhood, especially how they can
renew their essential role in the family and their marriage vows. 
Natalie
Salameh’s brother, Malcolm Salameh, hosted a “friend-raiser”, where we got to
meet family and friends, including a local Roman Catholic priest from Our Lady
Queen of Peace, Rev. Paul Monkerud.
The Nakhoul and
Touma families both hosted “friend-raisers” where Mother Marla Marie spoke at
both events on the foundation, establishment and mission of the Maronite
Servants of Christ the Light.
During Petra’s
“friend-raiser”, she shared her personal faith journey into our community and
mission. The night was accompanied by much laughter and fellowship, including
Sr. Therese Maria and Natalie sharing a little religious-style stand-up comedy.
Similarly,
during the Touma family “friend-raiser”, Sr. Therese Maria also shared her
personal journey into religious life and gave a very beautiful witness about
her experience as a consecrated religious working in the vineyard of the Lord
as a spiritual mother to God’s people.
If you would
like to host a similar event in support of the Maronite Servants, please
contact them via phone or email.