Biography
St. Sharbel was born in Lebanon in 1828, a devout son in a humble family. At the age of 23, he joined a Maronite monastic community of Our Lady of Mayfouk, but after transferred to the Monastery of St. Maron near Beirut. There, he took vows and began studying for the priesthood. After his ordination, he spent many years in his monastery living a very ascetical way of life. In 1875 he received permission to live as a hermit in a chapel overseen by the monastery. For 23 years, he lived there as a hermit. Paul VI canonized him in 1977 as a shining example of an Eastern Christian sanctity. [1][2][3] Written by Sarah Ciotti Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD [1] Catholic News Agency, Lebanese hermit Saint Charbel remembered July 24, 2012. [2] Paul VI, Canonization of Charbel Makhluof, October 9, 1977. [3] World Heritage List, Ouadi Qadisha (the Holy Valley) and the Forest of the Cedars of God (Horsh Arz el-Rab), UNESCO, 2012. Note: Optional Memorials and Commemorations are optional celebrations and, at present, we do not include content specific to these special days. This “About Today” is provided so that you can celebrate this Saint as you worship Christ. Thank you for praying with us. If you feel called, your Lenten offering helps carry this prayer to more hearts and languages. Contribute now