ORIGINS OF THE ANTONINE SISTERS The origins of the Antonine Congregation go back to Saint Anthony of the Desert, called the Father of Monastic life. As a community, the Antonine Sisters belong to the Antiochene Maronite Church. The cloistered communities of Women religious in Lebanon were found in Lebanon as early as 1787. There they lived in four independent monasteries following the spiritual way of Saint Anthony of the Desert. A member of the Jezzine community, Sister- Isabelle Khoury, aware of the crying need for education among the poor living in small villages, obtained permission to found a convent together with a school outside Beirut, Lebanon. In 1940, Mother Isabelle Khoury's community received Papal permission to engage in apostolic ministries outside the convent. Since 1954, the Antonine Sisters have greatly extended their apostolate. They now work in such diversified ministries as education, health, and social services. They also are actively engaged in parochial, cultural, religious, liturgical and scriptural programs. At present, the Antonine Sisters number around 200. SPIRITUALITY OF THE ANTONINE SISTERS Following the spirit of St. Anthony of the Desert, the Antonine Sisters try to live two indispensable dimensions: The contemplative one, which emphasises celebration of the Eucharist and the different mysteries, a life of prayer (Divine Offïce, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary), and meditation on Scripture. The communal dimension based on love of the poor, evangelical simplicity, and a spirit of family which includes mutual aid, hospitality, and communion. APOSTOLATE OF THE ANTONINE SISTERS INSIDE LEBANON Religious Formation Great care and attention are given today to the formation of young girls, including aspirants to the religious life as well as postulants and novices and all sisters who are newly professed. The Antonine Sisters consider a holistic approach for- educating children and youth in their different schools. Sisters and lay teachers endeavour to foster the spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical dimensions of their students in all parts of Lebanon, regardless of the student's religious affiliation. Social Work The sisters administer two hospitals, an adult care centre, and a facility for the mentally handicapped. They work in medical centres and dispense food and clothing to the needy. They take care of orphans and children whose parents cannot care for them. The Sisters provide accommodation for university students and young workers. They maintain retreat houses for persons seeking to spend time with the Lord. Specialised Service The sisters work in many villages engaging in catechetics, preparation for the reception of the mysteries and Bible Studies. OUTSIDE LEBANON The Antonine Sisters Congregation is a worldwide Community of religious women, serving also in Syria, Cyprus, Israel, France. Australia, Canada, and the U.S.A. Apostolic Initiative At present, the Order promotes not only the Monastic life of its members, but serves the Maronites wherever they have gone. They have assisted their people across the globe, providing spiritual nourishment and maintaining links, especially with those who left Lebanon during the tragic years of the Civil War. In response, the Antonine Sisters determined to spread their apostolate outside Lebanon. The Order's work in Australia is part of this world wide activity The Sisters in Melbourne run a child care Centre, operate a Maronite primary school and manage Saint Paul's Hostel for the elderly. The Tau "T" The emblem of the Antonine Sisters is the Tau or T of St. Anthony the Great, who was known as the Father of the Desert (Egypt 250-355). The early Coptic Christians of Egypt adopted this symbol, the symbol of life for the ancient Pharaohs. As a Christian symbol, this Cross developed a rich significance: Biblical: sign of election, salvation, confirmation; Theological: as sign of death, resurrection, hope. Monastic: as sign of contemplation, vigil. In time, this monastic cross lost the oval and became simply T. THE ANTONINE SISTERS IN MELBOURNE Responding to the needs of the Lebanese Community in Melbourne, the Antonine Sisters Congregation in Lebanon sent 4 sisters who arrived on the 17th October 1980. With the  sisters arrival, a  Saturday school was established, and on November 16th 1986 the sisters had opened a Child Care centre. Since then the sisters have increased in number as their vision for developing the communities children have developed. They not only have a Child Care centre, but they also have a Primary School established in 1998, a Secondary school which opened in February 2002, and a Hostel.