Saint Charbel Makhloufe

Saint Charbel chaplet information

Also known as Joseph Zaroun Makhlouf
Memorial: 24 December

Profile Son of a mule driver. Raised by an uncle who opposed the boy's youthful piety. The boy's favorite book was Thomas a Kempis's The Imitation of Christ. At age 23 he snuck away to join the Baladite monastery of Saint Maron at Annaya where he took the name Charbel in memory of a 2nd century martyr. Professed his solemn vows in 1853. Ordained in 1859, becoming a heiromonk.

He lived as a model monk, but dreamed of living like the ancient desert fathers. Hermit from 1875 until his death 23 years later, living on the bare minimums of everything. Gained a reputation for holiness, and was much sought for counsel and blessing. He had a great personal devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and was known to levitate during his prayers. Briefly paralyzed for unknown reasons just before his death.

Several post-mortem miracles attributed him, including periods in 1927 and 1950 when a bloody "sweat" flowed from his corpse. His tomb has become a place of pilgrimage for Lebanese and non-Lebanese, Christian and non-Christian alike.

Born: 8 May 1828 at Beka-Kafra, Lebanon as Joseph Zaroun Makhlouf
Beatified: 1965 by Pope Paul VI
Died : 24 December 1898 at Annaya of natural causes
Canonized: 9 October 1977 by Pope Paul VI

Picture and History taken from:
(Jones, Terry H. Patron Saints Index. 2002. http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/ (11-12, 2002)
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