Saint Charbel (also spelled Sharbel) Makhlouf was a Lebanese Maronite monk, priest, and hermit who lived from 1828 to 1898. He was born as Youssef Antoun Makhlouf in Bekaa Kafra, Lebanon, and later joined the Lebanese Maronite Order, taking the name “Charbel” after an early Christian martyr.
He became known for:
- A life of deep prayer, silence, and asceticism.
- Living as a hermit for the last 23 years of his life near the Monastery of Saint Maron in Annaya, Lebanon.
- His reputation for holiness during his lifetime.
- Numerous reports of healings and miracles associated with his intercession after his death, making his tomb a major pilgrimage site.
The Catholic Church beatified him in 1965 and canonized him in 1977, both by Pope Paul VI.
Today, Saint Charbel is one of the most beloved saints of the Middle East and is especially venerated by Maronite Catholics. Many people pray to him for physical and spiritual healing.
Fun fact: His feast day is celebrated on July 24 in the Roman Catholic calendar.
