Saint Charbel Makhlouf: The Hermit of Lebanon and His Living Legacy

Saint Charbel Makhlouf

Among the saints of the Catholic Church, few inspire as much devotion and wonder as Saint Charbel Makhlouf. Known for his humility, prayerful solitude, and countless miracles attributed to his intercession, Saint Charbel remains a powerful witness of God’s grace. Today, faithful around the world continue to seek his prayers, especially through the use of rosaries and devotional items that connect them to his spirit of simplicity and holiness. Early Life and Vocation Born Youssef Antoun Makhlouf on May 8, 1828, in Biqa-Kafra, a small village in the Lebanese mountains. Youngest of five children; his father died when he was three, leaving his mother to raise the family in hardship. Raised in a devout Christian home, Youssef often prayed in solitude while tending animals in the fields. At 23, inspired by the example of his uncles who were monks, he entered the Monastery of St. Maroun at Annaya, taking the name Charbel in honor of an early Christian martyr. Priesthood and Life as a Hermit Ordained a priest on July 23, 1859. Lived a monastic life of prayer, manual labor, and devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Desired solitude and asked repeatedly for permission to live as a hermit. After a miraculous sign (a lamp filled with water burned all night), he was granted permission. Lived the rest of his life in the hermitage of Saints Peter and Paul near Annaya, embracing poverty, penance, and intense prayer. Death and Incorrupt Body In December 1898, while celebrating Mass, Saint Charbel suffered a stroke. He died on Christmas Eve, aged 70. Buried without embalming, directly in the ground as was monastic custom. After his death, a bright light shone over his grave for 45 nights, witnessed by villagers. When exhumed, his body was found incorrupt and exuding a mysterious mixture of sweat and blood. For decades, doctors and scientists studied the phenomenon, finding the body inexplicably preserved. By the time of his beatification in 1965, his body had naturally decayed, but devotion to him had already spread worldwide. Miracles of Saint Charbel The Catholic Church requires confirmed miracles for beatification and canonization. Among the many attributed to Saint Charbel: Healing of Sister Mary Abel Kamari of the Sacred Hearts. Healing of Iskandar Naim Obeid from Baabdat. Healing of Mariam Awad from Hammana. The most famous modern miracle is that of Nohad El Shami, a woman partially paralyzed who was healed after seeing Saint Charbel in a dream in 1993. He appeared with another monk, performed a “spiritual surgery” on her neck, and left two visible wounds as signs. She regained full mobility, and Saint Charbel instructed her to attend Mass regularly and visit his hermitage on the 22nd of every month. To this day, thousands gather monthly at Annaya for prayer and Eucharistic celebration in his honor. Canonization Beatified: December 5, 1965, by Pope Paul VI. Canonized: October 9, 1977, by Pope Paul VI in Rome. Today, Saint Charbel is venerated not only in Lebanon but by Catholics worldwide who turn to him for healing and intercession. Saint Charbel’s Message for Today Saint Charbel’s life reminds us of the beauty of simplicity, sacrifice, and devotion. His love for the Eucharist, daily prayer, and total surrender to God serve as a timeless example for all believers. For the faithful, praying the rosary in his honor is a way to connect with his spirit of humility and faith. Many choose to keep a rosary blessed in his name, reflecting his devotion to prayer and the Eucharist. Devotion to Saint Charbel at Nazareth Store At Nazareth Store, we believe that devotional items like rosaries are not just accessories, but prayer tools that connect you to saints like Saint Charbel and strengthen your walk of faith. Our carefully handcrafted rosaries are designed for durability, beauty, and daily use, making them fitting companions for prayer and devotion. Whether you are inspired by Saint Charbel’s miracles or by his example of faith, we invite you to explore our collection of rosaries and devotional items that reflect the same enduring craftsmanship and timeless faith that guided his life.