Charbel Makhlouf: A Beacon of Devotion and Healing

It all begins on a typical calm day in the serene village of Bekaakafra, Lebanon. This wouldn’t be an ordinary day for Antoun Zaarour Makhlouf and Brigitta Elias Chidiac. They welcomed into the world a child who would eventually become one of the greatest models of faith in the Middle East, St. Charbel Makhlouf.

Table of Contents

The Humble Origins of a Saint

Born on May 8, 1828, this special child was christened with the name Youssef, meaning Joseph in Arabic. Life had its share of challenges for young Youssef, especially after the untimely death of his father when he was only three years old. However, it was through these trying times that Youssef found refuge in his faith and felt his first calling to a spiritual life.

Youssef Becomes Brother Charbel

From farming the lands to contemplating the divine amid nature's grandeur, Youssef found tranquility. At the age of 23, he decided to answer his heart's call and entered the Monastery of Our Lady of Mayfouq, adopting the name Charbel Makhlouf, in honor of a second-century martyr from Antioch.

A Life of Dedication and Prayer

His life in the monastery was marked by rigorous routines, consisting of fasting, manual labor, and constant prayer. He lived by the humble principle of seeking perfection in insignificant tasks, thus embracing a path seeped in simplicity and devotion.

Miracles and Inexplicable Healings

“O God of Saint Charbel, who inspired him to walk in the path of hardship and humility, help me to live according to your commandments. Glorify me with the grace of your modesty and chastity O Lord, and make me an instrument of your healing, just as you did with Saint Charbel.”

Many inexplicable healings were attributed to Charbel Makhlouf during his life and even after his passing. Numerous faithful believers received blessings and cures, strengthening their faith in God and his saints.

Legacy Beyond Life

Saint Charbel passed away on December 24, 1898; however, he continued to inspire miracles posthumously. His body, exuding a dazzling light and a sweet aroma, remained incorrupt for more than six decades after his passing, baffling scientists and medical practitioners alike. It was only in 1965 when his remains were moved to a new sarcophagus that the inexplicable phenomenon ceased.

A Timeless Beacon of Belief

Despite living centuries ago, Saint Charbel's influence on Christian faith remains potent. His dedication to prayer, fasting, and self-denial, combined with the numerous miracles linked to him, continue to inspire many believers worldwide.

“Saint Charbel, we beseech your intercession. Teach us to lead lives of prayer, fasting, and love. Guide us in our path and shield us from temptation, just as you were shielded. Amen”

Charbel Makhlouf's life was indeed a testament to the power of unwavering faith and devotion. He stands as a symbol of resilience and divine mercy, illustrating how one can accomplish the seemingly impossible through faith alone.

Charbel Makhlouf: A Saint for All

Today, thousands flock to his hermitage in Annaya, seeking solace, strength, and healing. Many miracles continue to be attributed to him, affirming his enduring influence on the faithful.

In essence, Saint Charbel Makhlouf's life is not just reminiscent of a bygone era but is a guiding force for believers today. Despite being born in a humble Lebanese village, he rose to near-mythical prominence because of his steadfast faith, becoming a beacon of devotion that shines across continents and generations. In times of trial and tribulation, his story serves as a reminder of the power of faith and the miraculous wonders it can manifest.

In the words of one of the greatest saints of our time, Charbel Makhlouf, "God does not abandon those who love Him." Let this sentiment guide us throughout our journey of faith, helping us remain anchored to the hope and love of God.

سيمون ابو فاضل يكشف معلومات خطيرة جداً : الثنائي يريد ثمناً بالنظام والمثالثة مطروحة !

Saint Charbel

St Sharbel- Miraculous Healing of Neeman Abou Mjahid- Druze - April 19, 2019 (Subtitled in English)

What is Charbel Makhlouf known for?

Charbel Makhlouf is best known as a Lebanese Maronite monk and priest who was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. Born on May 8, 1828, in Lebanon, he lived a life of remarkable austerity and devotion to his faith.

Known for his deep spirituality, he dedicated his entire life to prayer and solitude in the Lebanese mountains. After being ordained a priest, he spent many years at the Monastery of St. Maron in Annaya where he lived a strict monastic life.

He's notably recognized for his miracles. Even several decades after his death in 1898, numerous miracles were reported at his tomb. These miracles included unexplainable healings and other divine phenomena, which led the church to canonize him in 1977.

Today, Saint Charbel is venerated by Catholics and many other Christian denominations around the world, and his tomb continues to be a site of pilgrimage and miraculous healings. His feast day is celebrated on July 24.

Why did St Charbel change his name?

Born on May 8, 1828, in BkaaKafra, a mountainous village in northern Lebanon, St Charbel was initially named Joseph Makhlouf. He was raised in a devout Christian family that valued a simple and pious life.

Upon entering the monastery at the age of 23, he took the name Charbel, in honor of a second-century martyr revered in the Antiochene Maronite Church. This change of name is a common practice in many religious orders to signify leaving behind one's old life and embracing a new identity in Christ. This also aids him in detaching from any familial or worldly ties, thereby committing to a life of prayer and solitude.

Thus, Joseph Makhlouf became Charbel Makhlouf, dedicating his life to monastic living with a profound love for contemplative prayer, manual labor, and strict penance, embodying the values of the Maronite Monastic tradition. Today, he is celebrated as Saint Charbel, recognized for his asceticism, miracles, and embodiment of solitude. His devotion to his faith has made him a revered figure within the Maronite Catholic community, and his influence is evident worldwide.

How many miracles did St Charbel do?

The exact number of miracles attributed to St. Charbel is not recorded, as many are experienced privately by individuals around the world. However, it is noteworthy that hundreds of miracles are attributed to his intercession.

Two significant miracles played a role in his recognition as a saint by the Catholic Church. The first miracle that led to his beatification occurred in 1950, on the night of his exhumation. Even after 27 years of being buried, his body was discovered to be incorrupt, emitting a liquid that left a sweet aroma. This was considered the first official miracle of St. Charbel.

The second miracle leading to his canonization involved a woman named Nohad El Shami who suffered from hemiplegia. On the night of January 22, 1993, she dreamt of St. Charbel asking her to visit his shrine. The next day, she visited his tomb and that night, she saw St. Charbel in her dream again. He was digging in the ground and covered her with soil. When she woke up the next morning, she was completely healed.

These are just examples; numerous believers worldwide continue to attribute their healing to St. Charbel, making him one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic Church. His miracles demonstrate the power of faith and the grace of God. It's also worth noting that in the Catholic tradition, all miracles are ultimately seen as the work of God, with saints acting as intercessors.

How do you pray to St Charbel?

Praying to St. Charbel is a spiritual practice under Catholic traditions and involves certain specific steps. Before starting your prayer, ensure you are in a quiet place that allows for reflection and avoid any distractions to focus entirely on your prayer.

To pray to St. Charbel, you could follow these steps:

1. **Begin with the Sign of the Cross:** This is how most prayers in the Catholic tradition begin. Make the sign of the cross by touching your forehead, heart, left shoulder, and right shoulder while saying "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

2. **Invoke St. Charbel:** Call upon him directly. You might say something like, "St. Charbel, servant of God, I call upon you in faith and love."

3. **State your intentions:** Speak openly and honestly about what you're praying for. This could be a general intention (like asking for guidance or strength) or something specific (like healing from an illness or help with a problem).

4. **Ask for St. Charbel's intercession:** In the Catholic tradition, saints are often asked to intercede with God on our behalf. You might say something like, "St. Charbel, I ask for your intercession with God for [your intention]."

5. **Express gratitude:** Thank God and St. Charbel for their love and guidance. This could be as simple as, "Thank you, God, and thank you, St. Charbel, for hearing my prayer."

6. **Conclude with the Sign of the Cross:** As you started, end your prayer by making the Sign of The Cross.

Remember, there is no strict rule to adhere to while praying to St. Charbel. The essence of your prayer is sincerity and faith in your heart. Even simple conversation-like prayers are acceptable in the eyes of God. It's also okay to use pre-written prayers if that makes you more comfortable.

Here is a common prayer to St. Charbel:
"St. Charbel, full of love for God and humanity, your life was a manifestation of God’s miraculous work. Pray for me so that God blesses me and my family, and helps us to lead a devout and faithful life. Help me to accept and understand God's will in times of suffering and adversity. I beseech your intercession to heal me of my ailment, [mention your request]. May I always remember to show gratitude and praise to God. Amen."

Who was Charbel Makhlouf and what is his significance in Catholic Saints’ context?

St. Charbel Makhlouf, born as Youssef Antoun Makhlouf in 1828, was a Maronite monk and priest from Lebanon. During his life, he gained a reputation for holiness and he has been canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.

He was born and raised in a small village, Beka-Kafra, in the mountainous terrain of Lebanon. His family was extremely poor but deeply religious. At the age of twenty-three, against his family’s wishes, he left home to join the Lebanese Maronite Order at the Monastery of Our Lady in Mayfouq which later moved to the Monastery of St. Maroun in Annaya. Here, he took the name Charbel, after a 2nd-century martyr in Antioch.

Throughout his life, St. Charbel led an austere lifestyle, devoted to contemplative prayer and manual labor. He was known for his rigorous fasting, often only eating once a day and refusing any food outside of the Eucharistic sacrament. Despite enduring great hardships, including severe weather conditions and persecution, St. Charbel remained resolute in his faith.

He passed away on December 24, 1898, under mysterious circumstances. Since his death, many miracles and healings have been attributed to him, leading many to view him as a powerful intercessor. In the years following his death, his grave has become a site for pilgrimage.

Significance in Catholic Saints' Context:

In 1965, St. Charbel Makhlouf was beatified, and subsequently canonized in 1977 by Pope Paul VI. His feast day is celebrated on July 24. St. Charbel is incredibly significant as he is one of the few saints from the Eastern Catholic Churches who has received widespread recognition and veneration in the Western Church. The miracles attributed to him posthumously have reinforced his status and highlighted the universal reach of sanctity.

More specifically, within the Maronite community, he is seen as a shining example of monasticism and asceticism. His life serves as a reminder of the calling to personal holiness and the universality of the Christian vocation. His commitment to prayer, fasting, and simplicity has inspired Catholics worldwide, making him a universal symbol of piety and devotion.

What miracles have been attributed to Saint Charbel Makhlouf?

The life of **Saint Charbel Makhlouf** is filled with several miracles that demonstrate his spiritual depth and the power of his intercession.

How did Charbel Makhlouf’s life and work reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church?

Saint Charbel Makhlouf, often referred to as the "Maronite Monk," was a Lebanese priest and hermit recognized for his deep devotion, zealously lived faith, and the working of miracles both during his life and posthumously. His embodiment of Catholic teachings is evident in his unwavering commitment to prayer, contemplation, poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Born on May 8, 1828, in Lebanon, Makhlouf entered the Maronite monastery of Our Lady of Mayfouk at the age of 23. Years later, he moved to the Monastery of St. Maron near Beirut, where he took the name "Charbel," after a second-century martyr.

His love for Christ led him to the monastic life, where, as an obedient servant of the Church, he maintained a disciplined life of prayer and labor. Saint Charbel's daily routine consisted of manual work, such as farming, in order to sustain himself and support the monastery. This life shows a practical application of the teaching found in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." In embracing this direction, St. Charbel underscored the dignity and value of work as a means of participating in God's creation.

The vow of chastity was another key element of his monastic commitment. Renouncing marriage and worldly pleasures, he chose to wholly consecrate himself to God. He reflected the Church's teaching that calls those with a religious vocation to imitate Christ's own celibacy, thereby freeing themselves from earthly attachments to serve God and humanity more fully.

Living a life of poverty, St. Charbel embraced the Catholic Church's teachings on material detachment, viewing material wealth as a potential obstacle to achieving spiritual growth. His simple living and rejection of earthly possessions reflected Christ's call in Matthew 19:21, where Jesus tells the rich young man to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor."

St. Charbel's unwavering commitment to prayer reflects a fundamental teaching of the Catholic Church. The Church teaches that prayer is a vital conversation with God. St. Charbel spent numerous hours in contemplation and dialogue with God, seeking divine wisdom and guidance. His life embodies the Church's teaching, as stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, to "pray without ceasing."

In conclusion, St. Charbel Makhlouf’s life encapsulates the very essence of Catholic teachings through his unwavering practice of obedience, chastity, poverty, and ceaseless prayer. Through these virtues, he serves as a powerful example for all Christians striving to live a devout and holy life.

What were the key events that led to Charbel Makhlouf’s canonization as a saint in the Catholic Church?

Charbel Makhlouf, a Maronite monk and priest from Lebanon, was indeed canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church. His canonization process involved several pivotal events:

1. Life of Virtue: Charbel Makhlouf, born on May 8, 1828, in Lebanon, was known for his piety since childhood. He entered the St. Maronite Monastery at age 23, where he lived a life of asceticism and adherence to the Rule of the Lebanese Order, dedicated to prayer, work, silence, and continual communion with God.

2. Heroic Virtue Recognition: After his death on December 24, 1898, reports of miracles attributed to him began spreading among believers. His body was also found to be incorrupt after being exhumed multiple times, which further fueled these beliefs. This extraordinary piety and the testimonials of miracles prompted the Holy See to recognize his heroic virtues and initiate his cause for sainthood.

3. Beatification: Charbel was beatified in 1965 by Pope Paul VI. The beatification requires the verification of a miracle attributed to the intercession of the candidate. In Charbel's case, it was the miraculous healing of Sister Maria Abel Kawary from a partial paralysis.

4. Canonization: His canonization took place on October 9, 1977, by Pope Paul VI. Canonization requires the confirmation of a second miracle attributed to the candidate's intercession. The second miracle recognized by the church was the healing of Iskandar Obeid from Lebanon, who was suffering from a severe form of varicose veins.

These main events demonstrate how Charbel Makhlouf's remarkable life as a monk, combined with the divine favours believers received through his intercession, led to his canonization as a saint in the Catholic Church.

How has Charbel Makhlouf’s sainthood impacted the Catholic community globally?

The sainthood of Charbel Makhlouf, a Maronite monk and priest from Lebanon, has greatly impacted the global Catholic community. His canonization in 1977 by Pope Paul VI has evoked a renewal of faith among many believers and sparked inspiration to people well beyond his home country.

Akin to other saints, Charbel's life and sainthood have become an important example of living a wholly dedicated religious life. His commitment to an ascetic lifestyle is a powerful reminder for Catholics worldwide of the value of simplicity and humility. The fact that he was conferred sainthood in the 20th century, at a time when material pursuits were becoming increasingly prominent, underscores this message all the more.

Moreover, Charbel's miracles, attributed to him both before and after his death, have bolstered faith in the power of God and the intercession of saints. These miracles range from healings of the sick to assistance during difficult times, and they've drawn pilgrims globally to his hermitage and tomb in Lebanon. Consequently, Charbel's sainthood has fostered international awareness about the Maronite Church, thereby enriching religious diversity within the Catholic community.

However, arguably, one of the most significant impacts of Charbel's sainthood is the hope it provides for areas troubled by religious conflict. Charbel, being from Lebanon - a region often riddled with sectarian strife - serves as a figure of unity. His sainthood and the universal homage paid to him convey the message that sanctity transcends human divisions. In this sense, Charbel stands as an icon of peace and reconciliation, contributing to forging bonds of humanity among Catholics, and even non-Catholics, around the world.