Saint Sharbel Makhluf (1828-1898)
Image: Archbishop Terry
Born in Lebanon and the son of a mule driver according to SQPN Joesph Zaroun Makhlouf, was raised by an uncle because his father passed away when he was but 3 yrs old –little more is known of his youthful days except that his favorite book was Thomas e Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ, a Christian devotional classic.
When Joseph was 23 he sneaked away to join the Baladite Monastery of Saint Maron at Annaya, where he took the name Sharbel (Charbel) in memory of the 2nd century martyr for Jesus Christ, in 1853 he professed his final vows and was Ordained six years later.
Following the example of Saint Maron (Died 410 AD) Sharbel lived as a Hermit from 1875 until his death, his reputation for holiness, prompted people to seek him to receive a blessing and to be remembered in his prayers. — Sharbel followed a strict fast and was very devoted to the Blessed Sacrament, when his Superiors asked him to administer the sacraments to a nearby village, Sharbel did so gladly.
Sharbel Makhluf passed away late in the afternoon of Christmas Eve 1898 in Lebanon Annaya — Christians and non-Christians alike, soon made his tomb a place of pilgrimage for prayers and healing. Sharbel was Beatified in 1965 and Canonized in 1977 by Pope Paul VI
Related: For Today’s Most Holy Scripture Readings for the Memorial of St. Sharbel Makhluf, Visit: -USCCB