Entrance to Courtyard from Driveway
The Sisters of the Carmel of Elijah in Mathoura joyfully announce and invite all friends of the monastery to attend the Groundbreaking Ceremony for their Chapel, the first stage in their monastery residence building project.
The ceremony will take place at 5:30pm on Saturday, 10 January 2026.
The ceremony will last approximately one hour and will include the turning of the sod by Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green, OSPPE, Cardinal Mykola Bychok CSsR and Mrs Colleen Jreissati (representing Elias Jreissati, AM KJGC HonLLD).
The ceremony will take place outdoors in the Sisters’ paddock, on the future site of the chapel. While some shade will be provided, it is recommended that those attending monitor the weather forecast, be aware of the extreme conditions that can occur during summer in Mathoura, bring a hat, sunscreen and water, and wear clothing appropriate for the day's weather conditions. During the ceremony there will be the opportunity to join a procession around the future building. Please wear closed footwear appropriate for a rural paddock.
At the conclusion of the ceremonies, a sausage sizzle will be provided by volunteers, with both meat and vegetarian options. Drinking water will also be available. Please note that we cannot cater for special dietary requirements and therefore ask that you bring your own food if you have any particular needs or concerns.
Donations to cover the costs of the event will be gratefully received. A $15 contribution per person is suggested for those who are able.
Attendees are reminded that they are guests at the Sisters’ private rural property. It is respectfully requested that all remain mindful of the Sisters’ privacy and hidden life. Due to the sacred nature of the occasion and location, it is asked that mobile phones and other electronic devices remain switched off and that no photo or video is taken of the ceremony or monastery site. An official photographer will be present and photos and videos will be available on the Sisters’ website.
All friends of the Carmel and all those who have been a part of bringing the project to this point are warmly encouraged to attend and to share information about this event with their friends.
Please note that all attendees should register their attendance by December 15.
To register your attendance for this event, please visit the Trybooking event page.
Order of events
04:00pm Gates open for parking
05:20pm Guests should be seated by this time in order to facilitate a prompt start. Please allow time to walk to the ceremony site from the parking area in the northern paddock.
05:30pm The ceremony commences
The groundbreaking ceremony will take approximately 60 minutes, including brief words from the dignitaries present.
06:30pm Sausage sizzle
Sausages on bread rolls with coleslaw will be prepared by volunteers, with both meat and plant-based options. Water will be available for drinking. Please note: we cannot cater for special dietary requirements and therefore ask that you bring your own food if you have any particular needs or concerns.
8:00pm Gates close, please leave the monastery by this time
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a friend?
Yes! All are welcome to attend this very significant event in the history of the Sisters’ monastery. Please feel free to share the invitation. All who are planning to attend should ensure that they complete the registration form, to allow for sufficient catering and amenities on the day. A printable PDF flyer can be downloaded here and you are welcome to print and distribute to those who may be interested.
Location, access & parking
The Monastery is located about halfway between Deniliquin and Mathoura, about 55km north of Echuca, Vic. Access is only available by road, there is no public transport. Ample parking will be available on-site.
Donations
There will be donation boxes available for any small cash gifts. Donations can also be made via the donation page. Please indicate if your donation is intended towards the building project.
Amenities & catering
Water, toilets and first aid will be available on site. A sausage sizzle supper will be prepared by volunteers, with meat and plant-based options. However, we cannot cater for special dietary requirements and therefore ask that you bring your own food if you have any particular needs or concerns.
Accommodation
For those travelling from further afield, there is a variety of accommodation options in the surrounding area, including family-friendly caravan parks. Mathoura and Deniliquin are each about 15-20 minutes drive from the Monastery, while further afield Moama and Echuca are less than an hour away. It is advised to book accommodation as soon as possible.
Photography
Out of respect for the sacredness of the occasion and location, it is requested that phones and cameras are not used during the ceremony or while on monastery grounds, and are switched off. An official photographer will be present and photos will become available on the Carmel's website.
Safety
All minors attending the event must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Because a portion of the property will be cordoned off for guests arriving by helicopter, it is imperative that all safety perimeters be respected at all times, and that young children remain under close supervision.