Saint Sharbel (Charbel) Makhluf: A Life of Piety and Miracles
•Priest
•Feast day: July 24
•1828-1898
Saint Sharbel (Charbel) Makhluf, a revered Maronite monk and priest, was born in 1828 in the quaint village of Bekaa Kafra, Lebanon. His early life was marked by the profound piety and faith of his family. When Sharbel, then known as Youssef, was only three years old, tragedy struck with the death of his father, a mule driver, in August 1831. His mother, left to care for their five children, remarried a man who later became the parish priest of their village, further instilling a deep sense of devotion in Youssef.
Early Life and Religious Calling
Youssef was raised in an environment of prayer and devotion. While shepherding the family flock, he spent his days in prayer, nurturing his spiritual connection. In 1851, inspired by the religious dedication of two of his uncles, he entered the Lebanese Maronite Order at the Monastery of Our Lady in Mayfouq. There, he took the religious name of Sharbel, embarking on a journey of deep faith and asceticism.
Ordination and Hermitic Life
After his ordination in 1859, Sharbel was sent to the St. Maron Monastery in Annaya, where he lived a life of solitude and contemplation. For nearly four decades, he dedicated himself to prayer, penance, and manual labor, embodying the virtues of poverty and humility. His devotion and ascetic lifestyle drew many admirers, yet he remained a solitary hermit, seeking only to deepen his relationship with God.
Miracles and Canonization
In 1898, Saint Sharbel suffered a stroke and passed away on Christmas Eve. Following his death, a miraculous phenomenon occurred: a bright light was seen surrounding his tomb. When his superiors opened the tomb a few months later, they discovered that his body was incorrupt, showing no signs of decay. This miraculous preservation continued, as evidenced in 1950 and 1952 when his body was still found to have the appearance of a living one.
The miracles attributed to Saint Sharbel did not end with his incorrupt body. Numerous miraculous healings and divine interventions have been reported by those who sought his intercession. These miracles, along with his life of profound faith, led to his canonization by Pope Paul VI in 1977. In his canonization address, Pope Paul VI remarked, “He makes us understand, in a world largely fascinated by wealth and comfort, the paramount value of poverty, penance, and asceticism, to liberate the soul in its ascent to God.”
Legacy and Devotion
Saint Sharbel Makhluf’s legacy continues to inspire countless faithful around the world. His life is a testament to the power of prayer, the beauty of a simple, devout life, and the profound impact of living wholly for God. In a world often consumed by materialism and comfort, Saint Sharbel stands as a beacon of spiritual liberation and divine grace.
His feast day on July 24th is a time for many to reflect on his teachings and seek his intercession. The numerous miracles attributed to him, both during his life and after his death, have solidified his place as a powerful intercessor and a symbol of unwavering faith.
In celebrating the life of Saint Sharbel Makhluf, we are reminded of the great impact that a life dedicated to God can have, not only in one’s own spiritual journey but in inspiring and uplifting the faith of others across the globe.