Saint Charbel Makhlouf, a Maronite monk from Lebanon, is renowned for his devotion to Christ, his ascetic life, and the miracles attributed to him. Born Youssef Antoun Makhlouf on May 8, 1828, in the mountain village of Bqaakafra, he grew up in a devout Christian family. From a young age, he exhibited a deep inclination toward prayer and spirituality.

At the age of 23, Charbel joined the Maronite Order at the Monastery of Saint Maron in Annaya, where he took the name “Charbel” after a second-century martyr. He was ordained a priest in 1859 and spent the next 16 years living a life of communal prayer, study, and manual labor. In 1875, seeking a deeper connection with God, he moved to the hermitage of Saints Peter and Paul in Annaya, where he lived in seclusion, dedicating himself entirely to prayer, fasting, and Eucharistic adoration.

Saint Charbel’s life was marked by humility, silence, and a profound union with God. He became a symbol of sanctity for Christians in Lebanon and beyond. Following his death on December 24, 1898, miraculous healings were reported at his tomb, attracting pilgrims from around the world.

Canonized on October 9, 1977, Saint Charbel is celebrated as a powerful intercessor and a unifier of faiths. His legacy continues to inspire devotion and faith in God’s miraculous power. He is the patron saint of Lebanon and those seeking healing and spiritual guidance.