Charbel
Charbel Makhlouf was a Lebanese Maronite monk and priest renowned for his holiness and his ability to unite Christians, Muslims, and Druze. He is widely known as the "Miracle Monk of Lebanon" due to numerous favors attributed to his intercession, particularly prayers at his tomb. His life of severe asceticism and eremitical existence continues to inspire deep veneration.
- Feast Day
- July 24
- Century
- 19th century
- Country Or Region
- Lebanon
Key Facts
- ›He was born Youssef Antoun Makhlouf on may 8, 1828, in Bekaa Kafra, Lebanon.
- ›He joined the Lebanese Maronite Order in 1851, taking the religious name Charbel.
- ›He made his final religious profession on November 1, 1853, and was ordained a priest on July 23, 1859.
- ›In 1875, he began a 23-year period of eremitical life at the Hermitage of Saints Peter and Paul.
- ›He died on December 24, 1898, and his body was reportedly found incorrupt and flexible in subsequent exhumations.
- ›He was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1965 and canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1977.
Youssef Antoun Makhlouf, Sharbel Makhlūf, Miracle Monk of Lebanon, Perfume of Lebanon
About Charbel
Charbel Makhlouf: The Miracle Monk of Lebanon
Charbel Makhlouf, born Youssef Antoun Makhlouf on May 8, 1828, was a Lebanese Maronite monk and priest who achieved widespread renown for his holiness and his unifying presence among Christians, Muslims, and Druze. He is affectionately known among Lebanese Christians as the "Miracle Monk of Lebanon" due to the numerous favors and miraculous healings attributed to his intercession, particularly when prayers are offered at his tomb.
Life and Spiritual Path
Born in the high-altitude village of Bekaa Kafra, Makhlouf was raised in a devout household. Drawn to the lives of saints and the eremitical tradition, he began his monastic journey in 1851, joining the Lebanese Maronite Order. He later transferred to the Monastery of Saint Maron in Annaya, where he took the religious name Charbel, honoring an early Christian martyr. After making his final religious profession in 1853, he pursued theological studies and was ordained a priest in 1859. He then returned to the Monastery of Saint Maron, where he embraced a life of severe asceticism.
In 1875, Charbel received permission to live as a hermit at the Hermitage of Saints Peter and Paul. He spent the remaining 23 years of his life in this solitary, prayerful existence until his death from a stroke on December 24, 1898. His passing occurred during a period of heavy snowfall, and accounts describe the weather clearing remarkably as his body was transported to the monastery.
Veneration and Canonization
Following his death, Charbel Makhlouf's tomb became a site of pilgrimage and reported miracles. His cause for beatification was formally opened in 1929, and he was declared a "Servant of God." Pope Paul VI presided over his beatification on December 5, 1965, and later canonized him on October 9, 1977. His feast day is observed on July 24 by the Latin Church and on the third Sunday of July by the Maronite Church.
Legacy of Miracles and Devotion
Numerous miracles are attributed to Saint Charbel, two of which were instrumental in his beatification and a third for his canonization. Among the most famous is the healing of Nohad El Shami from partial paralysis in 1993, an event she attributed to Saint Charbel's direct intervention. His tomb in Annaya remains a significant pilgrimage site, attracting devoted followers from across Lebanon and beyond, seeking spiritual solace and divine intercession. The Medal of Saint Charbel was created in his honor, further solidifying his enduring veneration.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Charbel Makhlouf?
Charbel Makhlouf was a Lebanese Maronite monk and priest who lived from 1828 to 1898. He is widely revered for his holiness and his ability to foster unity among different religious communities.
Why is Charbel Makhlouf called the "Miracle Monk of Lebanon"?
He earned this title due to the numerous miracles and favors attributed to his intercession, especially by those who pray at his tomb in the Monastery of Saint Maron in Annaya. Many people report receiving blessings and healing through his prayers.
When was Charbel Makhlouf beatified and canonized?
Charbel Makhlouf was beatified by Pope Paul VI on December 5, 1965, and canonized by the same Pope on October 9, 1977.
What is Charbel Makhlouf's feast day?
His feast day is celebrated on July 24 by the Latin Church and on the third Sunday of July by the Maronite Church.
What was Charbel Makhlouf's religious life like?
He lived a life of severe asceticism as a monk and later as a hermit for 23 years. He was known for his deep prayer life and dedication to spiritual discipline.
Related Saints
Charbel Makhlouf
Charbel Makhlouf was a Lebanese Maronite monk and priest celebrated for his holiness and ability to unite Christians, Muslims, and Druze. He is known as the "Miracle Monk of Lebanon" for the favors received through his intercession, particularly at his tomb. His life of severe asceticism and eremitical prayer has made him a significant spiritual figure.
Nimatullah Kassab
Nimatullah Kassab, also known as "Al-Hardini," was a Lebanese Maronite monk, priest, and scholar who lived from 1808 to 1858. He is chiefly remembered for his devout monastic life, his role as a teacher and spiritual guide, and for the numerous miracles attributed to his intercession, leading to his canonization by the Catholic Church. His life exemplified deep spirituality, patience, and service to his order.
John Maron
John Maron was a Syriac monk and the first Maronite Patriarch, revered as a saint by the Catholic Church, especially the Maronite Church. He is commemorated on March 2 and is associated with the Maronite community's resistance to Byzantine invasions and their pursuit of political independence. His existence and role as patriarch have been subjects of scholarly debate.