Saint Sharbel Makhlouf, Saint of the day for July 24th

(May 8, 1828 - December 24, 1898)

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

Joseph Zaroun Maklouf was raised by an uncle because his father, a mule, died when Joseph was only three years old. At the age of 23, Joseph joined the monastery of St. Maron in Annaya, Lebanon and took the name of Sharbel in honor of a 1853nd century martyr. He made his final vows in XNUMX and was ordained six years later.

Following the example of the 1875th century Saint Maron, Sharbel lived as a hermit from XNUMX, until his death. His reputation for holiness has prompted people to seek him out to receive a blessing and to be remembered in his prayers. A strict fast followed and he was very devoted to the Blessed Sacrament. When his superiors asked him from time to time to administer the sacraments in neighboring villages, Sharbel did so willingly.

He died late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. Christians and non-Christians soon turned his grave into a place of pilgrimage and healing. Pope Paul VI beatified Sharbel in 1965 and canonized him 12 years later.

Reflection
John Paul II often said that the Church has two lungs - East and West - and must learn to breathe using both. Remembering saints like Sharbel helps the Church appreciate both the diversity and unity present in the Catholic Church. Like all saints, Sharbel points us to God and invites us to cooperate generously with God's grace, regardless of our life situation. As our prayer life becomes deeper and more honest, we become more ready to give that generous response.