Our Lady of Mercy Syrian Rite Catholic Church

Nestled on Burwood Road, Our Lady of Mercy Syrian Rite Catholic Church has a story waiting to be discovered. This isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Syriac Catholic community in Sydney. Our Lady of Mercy Syrian Rite Catholic Church began its life as a Protestant Church of Christ. In 1991, Monsignor Michael Berbari, along with the growing Syriac community, purchased the building. It underwent extensive renovations, opening its doors in 1994 as Our Lady of Mercy. Further renovations continued for over 25 years, transforming the space into the church you see today. The church closed from 2004 to 2007 for further renovations to the hall and other facilities. During this time, the community celebrated Mass at St. Therese’s Catholic Church in Fairfield Heights. The newly renovated Our Lady of Mercy reopened at the end of 2007, and the community began to worship at both Our Lady of Mercy and St. Therese’s. Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Syrian Rite Catholic Church is celebrated at 9:30 AM. The Syriac Catholic community’s roots stretch back to Antioch, dating back to the apostles of Christ. They speak Syriac, a dialect of Aramaic, originating from Edessa. Their journey brought them from the Middle East to countries across the globe, including Australia. The Syriac community started arriving in Australia in the mid-20th century, coming from Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and later, Iraq. The arrival of Father Lenard Ina in 2015 marked a new chapter for the church. He played a crucial role in its development, particularly after assuming leadership in mid-2016. Under his guidance, the community acquired land in Kemps Creek and a house in Fairfield West, which now serves as a presbytery. Our Lady of Mercy Syrian Rite Catholic Church isn’t merely a place of worship. It serves as a vital hub, nurturing a vibrant community with pastoral groups like the Deacons & Subdeacons Group, St. Ephrem’s Choir, and youth groups for various ages. They host weekly Bible studies and maintain a dedicated financial committee and secretarial office. Their hope is to one day build an even larger church to accommodate their growing community of 700 families. Our Lady of Mercy Syrian Rite Catholic Church stands as a symbol of resilience, faith, and community. It is a reminder of the long journey of the Syriac people and their unwavering devotion.