Charbel Makhlouf, O.L.M. lived May 8, 1828 – December 24, 1898) was a Lebanese Maronite monk and priest.
He is known among Lebanese Christiansas the “Miracle Monk of Lebanon” because of the favours received through his intercession, especially after prayers are said at his tomb in the Monastery of Saint Maron in Annaya, Lebanon. He was beatified in 1965 and canonized in 1977 by Pope Paul VI. His feast is celebrated on 24 July by the Latin Church, and on the third Sunday of July by the Maronite Church. The Medal of Saint Charbel was created in his honor.
Makhlouf was interred at the Monastery of Saint Maron on Christmas Day that year. It was reported that during the transport of his corpse, inclement weather conditions hindered the pallbearers in carrying out their duty.
“Father Charbel died on the eve of Christmas; the snow was heavy. We transferred him to the monastery on Christmas Day. Before we moved him, the snow was falling rapidly and the clouds were very dark. When we carried him, the clouds disappeared, and the weather cleared.” – George Emmanuel Abi-Saseen, one of the pallbearers
One story claims: “A few months after his death, a bright light was seen surrounding his tomb and the superiors opened it to find his body still intact. After that day, a blood-like liquid flowed from his body. Experts and doctors were unable to give medical explanations for the incorruptibility and flexibility.” In 1950 and 1952, his tomb was opened and his body still had the appearance of a living one.[8] Additionally, the 1950 television tape of his exhumation showed Makhlouf’s body as still intact, despite the grave having become severely rusty. The official site mentions: In this century his grave has been opened four times, the last time being in 1955, and each time “it has been noticed that his bleeding body still has its flexibility as if it were alive”. The Catholic Tradition website says: “Father Joseph Mahfouz, the postulator of the cause, certified that in 1965 the body of Saint Charbel was still preserved intact with no alteration. In 1976, he again witnessed the opening of the grave; this time the body was completely decomposed. Only the skeleton remained.
St. Charbel is attributed with more miracles than any other saint.
As Catholics, we honor Saint Charbel as a model of contemplative holiness. In an age of noise and distraction, his life reminds us of the power of silence, solitude, and deep communion with God.
His intercession continues to inspire conversions, healings, and a renewed desire for sanctity. Saint Charbel, pray for us.