Holy St. Charbel, pray for us!

Today, July 24, the Catholic Church celebrates the life of St. Charbel Makhlouf, a Maronite Catholic priest, monk, and hermit who is known for working miracles both during his life and after his death.

As you might remember I have been praying the 9-day Novena to St. Charbel, which finishes today.

Although this saint never traveled far from the Lebanese village of Beka-Kafra where he was born, his influence has spread widely.

Charbel 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. He followed a strict fast and was very devoted to the Blessed Sacrament. When his superiors occasionally asked him to administer the sacraments to nearby villages, Charbel did so gladly.

John Paul II often said that the Church has two lungs—East and West—and it must learn to breathe using both of them. Remembering saints like Charbel helps the Church to appreciate both the diversity and unity present in the Catholic Church. Like all the saints, Charbel points us to God and invites us to cooperate generously with God’s grace, no matter what our situation in life may be.

Let us pray that as our prayer life becomes deeper and more honest, we become more ready to make that same generous response.

hugs n’ blessings to all those seeking unity in their every day lives.

Oh, Saint Charbel, loved by
God, enlighten me, help me and
teach me how to please God. Hurry
to my rescue. Oh affectionate
Father; I beg of you to ask God for
this grace (mention request here).
Oh, Saint Charbel, friend of the
crucified, intercede for me.

Return the joy to my sad heart and
grant me my request. You, the
embodiment of graces, glory and
gratefulness be to you. Amen.