St. Sharbel of Lebanon – Maronite Monk and Miracle Worker

ST. SHARBEL OF LEBENON

St. Sharbel Makhlouf was a 19th-century Maronite monk and priest from Lebanon, known for his ascetic life, miraculous healings, and devotion to the Eucharist and prayer.

St. Sharbel Makhlouf was born Youssef Antoun Makhlouf on May 8, 1828, in the remote mountain village of Bekaa Kafra, Lebanon. He was raised in a devout Maronite Catholic family and was drawn to religious life from an early age. After spending his youth as a shepherd and absorbing the rich traditions of Lebanese Christian spirituality, he entered the Lebanese Maronite Order at the Monastery of St. Maron in Annaya, taking the name "Sharbel" after a 2nd-century martyr.

Sharbel was ordained a priest in 1859 and chose to live as a hermit starting in 1875 in a nearby hermitage associated with the monastery. For 23 years, he embraced a life of total silence, poverty, penance, and intense prayer. He celebrated Mass daily with great reverence and spent long hours in Eucharistic adoration. Sharbel’s hidden life was marked by extraordinary spiritual discipline, fasting, and solitude, which drew others to seek his counsel, prayers, and spiritual intercession.

Though he performed no public miracles during his life, after his death on December 24, 1898, astonishing signs began to manifest. His body was found to be incorrupt, and a bright light was seen emanating from his tomb. Numerous miracles—particularly healings—were attributed to his intercession, not only in Lebanon but around the world. His grave quickly became a pilgrimage site, drawing thousands of faithful seeking healing and spiritual renewal.

Pope Paul VI beatified him in 1965 and canonized him on October 9, 1977. St. Sharbel remains one of the most beloved saints of the Middle East and is revered by Catholics, Orthodox, and even non-Christians who honor his spiritual power and legacy. His life continues to inspire those drawn to silence, prayer, and holiness.

Feast Day

24-7-

Birth Date

8-5-1828

Died Date

24-12-1898

Canonised Date

9-10-1977

Lebanon

St. Sharbel, humble monk of Lebanon, who lived in silence and prayer, intercede for us. May your deep faith and unwavering devotion to God inspire us to trust more fully in divine providence. Help us to seek holiness in the stillness of our hearts and in the love we offer others. Amen.
ST. SHARBEL OF LEBENON

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ST. SHARBEL OF LEBENON

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Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
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