Built in 1973 St Raphael’s Slovenian Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith and resilience. This beautiful church in Merrylands is more than just a place of worship. It’s a living monument to the Slovenian community’s journey in Australia. It started with Slovenian migrants many traumatized and disoriented after arriving in a new land. They found solace and community at St Raphael’s.
The Franciscan priests arrived in 1951. They answered the pastoral needs of these new arrivals. They established a strong sense of community. This helped the migrants to build new lives. Before the current church the community used an older building. They bought it from the Presbyterians in 1969. The Presbyterians had built a new church on nearby Monitor Road.
The original church was renovated. The first mass was celebrated on January 1st 1970. A new church was built between 1971 and 1973. Auxiliary Bishop Stanislav Lenič from Ljubljana Slovenia blessed it in 1973. The church hall was completed in 1983. It became a hub for cultural activities. Plays and concerts were held there. Classes in Slovenian language were offered too. The church even houses the Slovenian Archives NSW HASA.
St Raphael’s Slovenian Catholic Church has preserved Slovenian identity. It’s a vital part of Australian history. It’s also a place of great generosity. Currently St Raphael’s generously shelters the Melkite Greek Catholic Community of St Elias. They are providing a home while St Elias builds its own church. St Raphael’s Slovenian Catholic Church a beacon of faith community and cultural preservation. It remains a vital part of the vibrant tapestry of Sydney.