Saint Charbel Makhlouf

 

The Hermit of Lebanon and Saint of Silent Holiness

Saint Charbel Makhlouf (1828–1898) is one of the most beloved saints of the Catholic Church and a powerful spiritual symbol of Lebanon. Known for his deep life of prayer, silence, and total union with God, Saint Charbel continues to touch hearts and work miracles throughout the world.

He was born on May 8, 1828, in the village of Bekaa Kafra, Lebanon, and was baptized with the name Youssef Makhlouf. From a young age, he showed a strong attraction to prayer, solitude, and the presence of God. As a shepherd, he often withdrew to quiet places to pray, laying the foundation for his future monastic life.

At the age of 23, Youssef entered the Lebanese Maronite Order at the Monastery of Our Lady of Mayfouq. There, he took the religious name Charbel, after an early Christian martyr. He was ordained a priest in 1859 and later requested to live as a hermit, dedicating himself entirely to prayer, fasting, and penance at the Hermitage of Saints Peter and Paul in Annaya.

Saint Charbel lived a hidden life marked by:

• deep humility

• strict asceticism

• obedience

• continuous prayer

• total love for Jesus Christ, especially in the Eucharist

He spoke very little, letting his life bear witness to God rather than words.

On December 16, 1898, while celebrating the Divine Liturgy, Saint Charbel suffered a stroke and died peacefully eight days later on Christmas Eve, December 24. After his death, extraordinary signs began to appear. His tomb emitted a mysterious light, and his body was found to be incorrupt and exuding a blood-like liquid for many years.

Since then, countless miracles of healing and conversion have been attributed to his intercession, involving people of all faiths. Saint Charbel was beatified in 1965 and canonized in 1977 by Pope Paul VI.

Today, Saint Charbel is known as:

• a saint of silence and prayer

• a powerful intercessor for healing

• a model of holiness through simplicity and surrender

• a spiritual father to Lebanon and the world

His life teaches that holiness is not found in fame or words, but in loving God fully, trusting Him completely, and offering one’s life in quiet faith.