Saint Charbel Makhlouf

Biography

Saint Charbel Makhlouf, also known as Joseph Zaroun Makhlouf, was born on May 8, 1828, in the village of Beka-Kafra, Lebanon. He was the son of a mule driver and was raised by his uncle after his father's death. From a young age, Charbel displayed a deep sense of piety and devotion to God. During his youth, Charbel's favorite book was Thomas a Kempis's The Imitation of Christ, which had a profound influence on his spiritual journey. Despite his uncle's opposition, Charbel felt a strong calling to religious life and, at the age of 23, he secretly left his home to join the Baladite monastery of Saint Maron at Annaya. Upon entering the monastery, Charbel took the name Charbel in honor of a 2nd-century martyr. In 1853, he professed his solemn vows, committing his life to the service of God. Charbel's dedication to his vocation led him to be ordained as a priest in 1859, becoming a heiromonk. Saint Charbel lived a humble and austere life, always striving to imitate the ancient desert fathers, who dedicated themselves to prayer and solitude. In 1875, he withdrew from the community and became a hermit, living in seclusion and practicing extreme asceticism. He embraced a life of poverty, relying on the bare minimum for his needs. Charbel's holiness and devotion to God became widely known, and people sought him out for spiritual guidance and blessings. He had a profound personal devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and was often seen in deep prayer and contemplation. It is said that during these prayers, Charbel would levitate, being lifted off the ground in a state of ecstasy. Just before his death on December 24, 1898, Saint Charbel experienced a brief period of paralysis, the cause of which remains unknown. However, this physical suffering did not diminish his faith and devotion. Throughout his life, Charbel displayed deep love for Christ and a willingness to endure any hardship for the sake of his spiritual journey. After Charbel's passing, several post-mortem miracles were attributed to him. of note are the periods in 1927 and 1950 when a bloody "sweat" flowed from his corpse, a phenomenon that left witnesses astounded. These miracles further solidified his reputation for holiness. Today, Saint Charbel's tomb has become a destination for pilgrims from Lebanon and beyond, regardless of their religious affiliations. His life and spiritual journey continue to inspire and touch the hearts of many, and he remains beloved by both Christians and non-Christians alike. Saint Charbel Makhlouf was venerated by Pope Paul VI on July 15, 1965, with the declaration of heroic virtues. He was later beatified by Pope Paul VI on December 5, 1965. Finally, on October 9, 1977, Saint Charbel was canonized by Pope Paul VI, recognizing his exceptional holiness and the miracles associated with his intercession. Although Saint Charbel does not have any specific patronages attributed to him, his life serves as a testament to the power of faith, devotion, and self-sacrifice. His example continues to inspire countless individuals to seek deeper communion with God and live lives of profound love and service.