Here at 6201 Sheldon Road stands Sts. Peter & Paul Maronite Church. It is a beacon of faith for Tampa’s Maronite community. The story of Sts. Peter & Paul Maronite Church is a testament to faith and perseverance.
The Catholic Church has twenty-two different Rites. Sts. Peter & Paul Church is an Eastern Catholic Church of the Maronite Rite. The Maronite Church’s roots trace back to St. Peter. He founded the Church in Antioch. Over time, Middle Eastern Catholics from Lebanon became known as Maronites. The name comes from St. Maron a Syrian monk who died in 410 AD.
In January 2000, Bishop Stephen H. Doueihi established The Maronite Community of Tampa. Father George Zina traveled from Orlando every other Saturday. He celebrated the Liturgy in the Maronite Rite at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Before 2000, Monsignor George Sebaali met with community members. He celebrated Mass at the Coptic Church. The community gathered information about Lebanese and Maronites in Tampa. This list was sent to the Bishop’s office. Father Zina was then appointed as visiting priest.
In April 2003, Bishop Doueihi assigned Father Paul Damien as administrator. He continued to celebrate the liturgy weekly at St. Mary’s. In October 2004, the community moved to Our Lady of the Rosary Parish Center. This was thanks to Bishop Robert N. Lynch. The community grew and prospered there.
January 16, 2005, was a milestone. Bishop Gregory J. Mansour granted the Tampa Maronite Community Mission status. They were placed under the patronage of Sts. Peter and Paul.
On April 9, 2006, an offer was made. The community sought to purchase a church building on Sheldon Road. The asking price was $575,000. The building had 200 seats a nursery an office an entrance lobby and restrooms. The parking lot could fit about 60 cars. Bishop Gregory J. Mansour approved the purchase.
Easter Sunday was a joyous occasion. Chorbishop Michael G. Thomas announced the approval to purchase the Sheldon Road church. In May 2007, the first event was held at the Sheldon Road church. It was a baptism and First Communion for nine children.
March 30, 2008, was a day of consecration. Bishop Gregory J. Mansour consecrated the completed Sts. Peter and Paul Maronite Catholic Church.
Father Anthony J. Salim arrived in October 2008. He was assigned as Mission Administrator until the end of May. From June 2009 to August 2013, Father Peter E. Boulos served as Mission Administrator. He also became Protopresbyter of the Far South Region.
Since June 1, 2018, Father Fadi Rouhana has been the administrator. Saints Peter and Paul Maronite Catholic Church continues to thrive. It offers a welcoming space for worship sacraments and community. Sts. Peter & Paul Maronite Church stands as a testament to the enduring Maronite faith in Tampa. It enriches the city’s diverse religious landscape.