New South Wales Premier Thomas Bavin, a devout Protestant, spoke from the pulpit of St Mary's Cathedral during the official opening ceremony – an unprecedented occurrence. Later, a garden party held at Government House to celebrate the Congress and to honour Cardinal Cerretti, Australia's first papal legate, was attended by the Anglican Archbishop, John Wright, the Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce, and the leader of the New South Wales Jewish community, Rabbi Francis Lyon Cohen (1). The Congress ended with a procession through the streets of Sydney, watched by a crowd estimated to be 500,000 (2).
After the Congress, the Papal Legate, Cardinal Ceretti, and many of the Congress delegates visited Melbourne. They stayed at various Presbyteries throughout Melbourne; Dr Malouf was billeted at St Georges, Rathdowne Street in Carlton (3). The Argus reported that on Sunday, October 7, the Right Rev. Dr. Malouf, Bishop of Mt. Lebanon (Syria), will celebrate Pontifical High Mass in the Syro-Chaldaic rite at St. George's, Rathdown street, Carlton, on Sunday, at 11 o'clock. Members of the Syrian community are specially invited to attend (4).
There were other reports in the newspapers about Dr Malouf - he was 66 years old and had studied at the University in Beirut (5). He resides at Banias, a little village on a pleasing site, 990 feet above the sea-level at the foot of Mount Hermon. In the diocese there are 4000 Catholics and twenty priests (6). He had a great personality, and is loved by all who have had the pleasure of his acquaintance (7). The Bishop was also found to have a charming, graceful personality (a notable characteristic of the Syrian race) (8). During his time in Australia, Dr Malouf was accompanied by Father Nicholas Caba, who acted as an interpreter and a Secretary. Father Caba, is sometime erroneously listed in newspaper reports as Father Nicholas. (9).
Bishop Clemente Malouf
The Advocate, August 30, 1928 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/171651637
Dr Malouf took the opportunity of visiting his relatives whilst he was in Victoria. The first visit was to Crib Point on October 13th and 14th, where he visited his cousin, Charles Malouf, who owned a store in the town, Charles was married to Mary and they had one son, also called Charles who was married to Nazela (10). As a matter of interest, Charles and Nazela were married in 1916 at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne; they then held a reception at the bride's parents house in Carlton and then another reception at the Crib Point Hall for 300 people, as the newspaper report said - the parents of the bridegroom gave a cordial invitation to everyone (11).
The Catholic Press of Sydney published an account of his visit to Crib Point -
After the close of the Eucharistic Congress, the Right Rev. Dr. Clement Malouf, Bishop of South Lebanon, Syria, visited the Syrian colonists in Victoria. Dr. Malouf was accompanied by Rev. Father Nicholas, of Sydney, and was the guest of his cousin, Mr. Chas. Malouf, at his residence at Crib Point, during the week-end. A reception was given in his honour on Saturday afternoon and evening by Mr. Malouf, at his home, at which Catholics from the surrounding district were presented to him. His Lordship, assisted by Father Nicholas, and attended by Mr. Jim Bachous (as acolyte) celebrated High Mass in the Syrian rite at 10.30 a.m., at Hastings, a town five miles away. Dr. Malouf preached the sermon in the Arabic language, which was interpreted by Mr. Boyd, of Ballarat. The subject of his discourse was the two great Commandments given to man by God: Thou shalt love the Lord, &c, and thy neighbour as thyself.
The Bishop presided at luncheon to a hundred visitors at Mr. Malouf 's home. An address of welcome, on behalf of the English-speaking section of the gathering, was read to the Bishop. The good wishes contained in it were conveyed to the recipient by Mr. Boyd, who also interpreted Dr. Malouf 's reply. A very fine musical programme was given by the Syrian community, which was much enjoyed by the large gathering. His Lordship, who had duties in Melbourne, was given a rousing send-off. The thanks of the Catholic residents are due to the Malouf family, in particular, and the Syrians in general, for their lavish hospitality, and for the opportunity given of meeting their distinguished co-religionist, whose charming, graceful personality (a notable characteristic of the Syrian race) won the hearts of all whose good fortune it was to meet him. The Bishop was delighted at the arrangements made for his comfort, and has promised to pay another visit to his friends in Crib Point before returning to his homeland. Dr. Malouf was motored to various points of interest, and was shown over the Naval Training Depot by Rev. Father O 'Callaghan, chaplain, R.A.N. (12).
The Catholic Press of Sydney published an account of his visit to Crib Point -
After the close of the Eucharistic Congress, the Right Rev. Dr. Clement Malouf, Bishop of South Lebanon, Syria, visited the Syrian colonists in Victoria. Dr. Malouf was accompanied by Rev. Father Nicholas, of Sydney, and was the guest of his cousin, Mr. Chas. Malouf, at his residence at Crib Point, during the week-end. A reception was given in his honour on Saturday afternoon and evening by Mr. Malouf, at his home, at which Catholics from the surrounding district were presented to him. His Lordship, assisted by Father Nicholas, and attended by Mr. Jim Bachous (as acolyte) celebrated High Mass in the Syrian rite at 10.30 a.m., at Hastings, a town five miles away. Dr. Malouf preached the sermon in the Arabic language, which was interpreted by Mr. Boyd, of Ballarat. The subject of his discourse was the two great Commandments given to man by God: Thou shalt love the Lord, &c, and thy neighbour as thyself.
The Bishop presided at luncheon to a hundred visitors at Mr. Malouf 's home. An address of welcome, on behalf of the English-speaking section of the gathering, was read to the Bishop. The good wishes contained in it were conveyed to the recipient by Mr. Boyd, who also interpreted Dr. Malouf 's reply. A very fine musical programme was given by the Syrian community, which was much enjoyed by the large gathering. His Lordship, who had duties in Melbourne, was given a rousing send-off. The thanks of the Catholic residents are due to the Malouf family, in particular, and the Syrians in general, for their lavish hospitality, and for the opportunity given of meeting their distinguished co-religionist, whose charming, graceful personality (a notable characteristic of the Syrian race) won the hearts of all whose good fortune it was to meet him. The Bishop was delighted at the arrangements made for his comfort, and has promised to pay another visit to his friends in Crib Point before returning to his homeland. Dr. Malouf was motored to various points of interest, and was shown over the Naval Training Depot by Rev. Father O 'Callaghan, chaplain, R.A.N. (12).
Visit of Bishop Malouf to Crib Point to see his cousin Charles and his family, 1928
State Library of Victoria Image H92.250/1196
Mary Malouf, died June 5, 1939 and her short obituary in The Argus noted - Many friends on the Mornington Peninsula learned with regret of the death of Mrs. Mary Malouf, wife of Mr. Charles Malouf, sen., at her home at Crib Point. She was born in Mount Lebanon, and she arrived in Melbourne with her husband in October, 1890. They had lived in Crib Point for 27 years, first establishing a business in the part of the township known as the Settlement, and later, after the occupation of Flinders Naval Depot, near the Crib Point railway station. There is one son, Mr. Charles Malouf, Jun. (13). Her husband, Charles, died December 11, 1942; they are buried at the Crib Point Cemetery (14).
From October 19th to 22nd, Bishop Malouf was at Maffra, visiting his cousins, Henry and James Malouf, who are listed in the Electoral Roll as grocers. Also listed in the Electoral Roll for 1928 was an Amelia Malouf, who was, I believe Henry's wife. On the Sunday in Maffra, it was reported in the The Advocate that Bishop Malouf celebrated Solemn High Mass at Maffra, in the presence of an overflowing congregation. The Mass was according to the Greek-Melchite rite, and liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. After vespers in the evening his Lordship held a levee at the presbytery, and large numbers of parishioners were presented to the distinguished visitors by Very Rev. Fr. Curran, P.P., who is fluent in the Arabic language. (15).
We are also fortunate that we have another report of the Bishop's time in Maffra - from 12 year-old, Mary O'Brien, who wrote about the occasion in a letter published in The Advocate, the Catholic newspaper. The letter was addressed to Kango, who edited the Children's Corner column in the paper -Dear Kango,—Some time ago Bishop Malouf visited Maffra. He arrived here on a Friday and on the Sunday celebrated High Mass before a very big congregation. The Mass was beautiful; it was sung all through to the end. After Mass Bishop Malouf gave a sermon in his own language, which afterwards was interpreted into English by Mr. Boyd, of Ballarat. After Mass Bishop Malouf received an address of welcome from the community of Maffra and district. The following day being Monday, Bishop Malouf visited the school, where he received a hearty welcome from the children. After announcing that we should have a holiday he passed out amidst much cheering. Shortly after visiting the school he went to Melbourne. We will always remember Bishop Malouf's visit to Maffra. Well, Kango, I will close.—I remain, yours sincerely, Mary O'Brien. (16).
Bishop Malouf at St Mary's Catholic Church in Maffra
His Eminence, Bishop Malouf, supported by Father Nicholas and the Rev. Father Curran (Parish Priest)
at St. Marys R.C. Church, Maffra.
Weekly Times, November 24, 1928 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/223180647
The Malouf Brothers had purchased the Maffra store in 1926, and were obviously still in town in 1928 when the Bishop visited, but by the 1931 Electoral Roll, Henry and Amelia were listed at Murchison Street in Carlton. (17).
On Saturday, October 27, Bishop Malouf visited another cousin as the Herald reported -Dr. Clement Malouf, Bishop of Syria, who came to Australia to attend the Eucharistic Congress, was the guest on Saturday evening of Mr Joseph Malouf, a cousin, at Heidelberg road, Clifton Hill, when a dinner was given to him prior to his departure for Sydney. Among the large gathering present were Mr Perry, of the English Speaking Union; Mr C. Ramia, who represented the Syrian community in Melbourne; and Father Nicholas, Bishop Malouf's secretary (18).
On Monday, October 29 Bishop Malouf went off to Mansfield, to visit more cousins, this time Michael Malouf, who with his wife Emily conducted a cafe and greengrocery business in the town (19). The Age had a short report of the visit -
Bishop Malouf, of Syria, who was a central figure at the eucharistic Congress in Sydney, arrived at Mansfield on Monday night. He is on a visit to his cousin, Mr M. Malouf, who is in business in Mansfield. He was entertained at a dinner on Monday night, and celebrated mass at the Roman
Bishop Malouf, of Syria, who was a central figure at the eucharistic Congress in Sydney, arrived at Mansfield on Monday night. He is on a visit to his cousin, Mr M. Malouf, who is in business in Mansfield. He was entertained at a dinner on Monday night, and celebrated mass at the Roman
Catholic church on Tuesday morning. Bishop Malouf is accompanied by Father Nicholaus, the head of the Syrian church in Sydney. The Malouf family has had a bishop of the name in the Syrian church for several hundred years. Bishop Malouf will leave for Albury on Thursday. (20)
Michael Malouf, died May 27, 1947 at Mansfield, aged 63; his death notice lists that he was the father of Pauline, Marjory, Mavis, Kevin, Patsy and Valerie. Emily died in 1972, aged 77 (21).
Bishop Malouf returned to Sydney after his visit to Victoria, where he stayed with his brother. In April 1929, he laid the foundation stone for St Clements Church in Brisbane, the first Syrian Church in Queensland. Dr Malouf, died at the age of 82 in 1941, in Syria (22).
Trove list - I have created a list of articles connected to Bishop Malouf's visit to Australia, access it here.
Footnotes(1) Frappell, Samantha International Eucharistic Congress 1928 from The Dictionary of Sydney https://dictionaryofsydney.org/entry/international_eucharistic_congress_1928
(2) Ibid
(3) The Advocate, September 27, 1928, see here. The article has a full list, interesting as it shows how many Churches and Presbyteries there were in Melbourne at the time.
(4) The Argus, October 6, 1928, see here.
(5) The Age, October 17, 1928, see here.
(6) The Advocate, August 30, 1928, see here.
(7) Frankston and Somerville Standard, October 19, 1928, see here.
(8) The Catholic Press, October 18, 1928, see here.
(9) Father Nicholas Caba died at the age of 44 in 1932. Read his obituary in the Catholic Freeman's Journal of November 17, 1932, here.
(10) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com
(11) Wedding report in the Mornington Standard, February 12, 1916, see here.
(12) Catholic Press, October 18, 1928, see here.
(13) The Argus, June 9, 1939, see here.
(14) Frankston Standard, December 18, 1942, see here.
(15) The Advocate, October 25, 1928, see here.
(16) The Advocate, November 22, 1928, see here.
(17) There is a report in the Gippsland Times of October 28, 1926, see here, which says Mr H. Malouf recently purchased the grocery business. Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com
(18) The Herald, October 29, 1928, see here.
(19) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com list Michael's occupation as greengrocer, but an article in The Age of December 5, 1931, see here, about an attempted arson attack on his property, describes him as a cafe and fruit proprietor.
(20) The Age, October 31, 1928, see here.
(21) Death notice in The Argus, May 28, 1947, see here. Emily's death date from the Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages.
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