Novena to St. Charbel

Life of St. Charbel

Saint Charbel Makhlouf (1828–1898) was a Lebanese Maronite monk and hermit known for his deep spirituality, extreme asceticism, and miracles reported both during his life and after his death. He is one of the most beloved saints of the Middle East and is widely venerated by Christians around the world.

Early Life

Charbel was born on May 8, 1828, in the village of Bekaa Kafra, one of the highest villages in Lebanon.
His birth name was Youssef Antoun Makhlouf. His father died when Charbel was very young.

He was raised in a devout Christian family in the Maronite Church tradition. As a boy, he spent much time praying in a small cave near his village and tended sheep. From childhood he was known for his quiet nature and strong devotion to God.

Monastic Life

At age 23, Youssef left home secretly to become a monk at the Monastery of Our Lady of Mayfouq. Later he moved to the Monastery of Saint Maron, where he took the monastic name Charbel, after an early Christian martyr.

Key moments:

1853: Took his monastic vows.

1859: Ordained a priest.

He lived a life of poverty, silence, fasting, and prayer. His superiors and fellow monks noted his humility and discipline.

Life as a Hermit

In 1875, Charbel received permission to live as a hermit in the Hermitage of Saints Peter and Paul near the monastery.

For 23 years he lived almost completely in isolation. He engaged in constant prayer, contemplation, strict fasting, manual labour, simple living and celebration of the Eucharist. He rarely spoke and dedicated his entire life to spiritual union with God.

Death

Saint Charbel died on December 24, 1898, after suffering a stroke while celebrating the Divine Liturgy.

He was buried at the monastery in Annaya. Soon after his death, unusual phenomena were reported. A mysterious light shone around his tomb. Numerous healings and miracles were witnessed and recorded. Pilgrims visit his grave.

Canonization

Because of the many reported miracles, the Catholic Church investigated his life.

He was Beatified in 1965 by Pope Paul VI and canonized in 1977 by the same pope. He became the first Lebanese saint of the Maronite Church to be canonized in modern times.

Legacy

Today Saint Charbel is famous worldwide for miracles and intercession. His shrine at the Monastery of Saint Maron attracts millions of pilgrims every year.

He is considered the patron saint of Lebanon, those seeking physical or spiritual healing, and those desiring deep spiritual contemplation.

Interesting fact:
His body was reported to remain incorrupt and to exude a liquid resembling blood and sweat for decades after his death, which contributed to his reputation for holiness.

Famous miracles attributed to St. Charbel

Many miracles have been attributed to Charbel Makhlouf, both shortly after his death in 1898 and continuing to the present day. The Catholic Church officially investigated several of them during the process that led to his canonization by Pope Paul VI. Below are some of the most famous miracles associated with him.

1. The Light Over His Tomb (1899)

After St. Charbel was buried at the Monastery of Saint Maron in Annaya, villagers began noticing a mysterious bright light shining over his grave at night. The phenomenon was reported by many witnesses. Church authorities investigated and opened his tomb months later.

They discovered that his body was unusually preserved and not decomposed as expected. This event began the widespread devotion to him.

2. The Incorrupt Body and “Blood-like” Liquid

When his tomb was opened years later, monks found his body flexible and preserved. A reddish liquid seeping from the body. Doctors and church officials examined the phenomenon several times. The body remained in this unusual condition for decades, drawing pilgrims from all over Lebanon and beyond.

3. The Healing of Sister Marie Abel (Official Canonization Miracle)

One of the miracles recognized by the Church involved Marie Abel Kamari, a nun who suffered from severe stomach ulcers. Her condition was considered incurable by doctors. She prayed for St. Charbel’s intercession. After visiting his tomb, she was suddenly and completely healed. Medical experts were unable to explain the recovery.

4. The Healing of Nohad El-Shami (1993)

One of the most famous modern miracles occurred to Nohad El Shami. She suffered from, partial paralysis, severe arterial blockage. Doctors said surgery was extremely risky. According to her testimony, St. Charbel appeared to her in a dream with two monks. They performed what seemed like a surgical operation on her neck. She woke up completely healed with two surgical-like wounds on her neck. The miracle greatly increased pilgrimage to his shrine.

5. Numerous Modern Healings

The shrine at the Monastery of Saint Maron records thousands of reported miracles, including, Cancer recoveries, Paralysis healing, Blindness restored, Protection during accidents. Many testimonies come from Christians and even Muslims, making St. Charbel one of the most widely revered saints in the Middle East.

Remarkable fact
Devotion to St. Charbel has spread worldwide—from Brazil to Australia—and miracles attributed to him are reported on nearly every continent.

A powerful prayer to St. Charbel for healing

O glorious Saint Charbel, faithful servant of God, you lived a life of prayer, humility, and sacrifice. You followed Christ in silence and holiness and were filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Through your powerful intercession, many people have received healing and consolation.

I come to you today with faith and trust. Please ask our loving Lord to touch me with His healing power
and to grant relief from my suffering.

(Mention your intention.)

O Saint Charbel, friend of the suffering, comforter of the sick, pray for me that God may restore my health in body, mind, and spirit. May His holy will be done in my life, and may I always trust in His mercy and love.

Amen.

9-Day St. Charbel Healing Novena

Opening Prayer (Pray every day)

O miraculous Saint Charbel, glorious monk and faithful servant of God, you who lived in deep union with Christ through prayer and sacrifice, intercede for me before the Lord. Ask God to grant me the grace I seek.
(mention your intention).

If it is for the glory of God and the good of my soul, may I receive healing in body and spirit. Saint Charbel, powerful intercessor and comforter of the sick, pray for me.

Amen.

Day 1. Prayer for Faith

Saint Charbel, whose heart was filled with faith, help me trust in God even in my suffering. Obtain for me the grace to believe that God can heal and restore me. Pray that my faith may grow stronger each day and that I may never lose hope in the Lord.

Amen