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Sharbel MahlufMaronite priest and monk.
Date of Birth: 08.05.1828
Country:  Lebanon |
Content:
Biography of Sharbel Mahklouf
Sharbel Mahklouf was a Maronite priest and monk who was born into a poor Christian family in Beka-Kafra, northern Lebanon. He was baptized with the name Joseph and carried the surname Mahklouf. At the age of three, he lost his father and was raised by his uncle.
Monastic Life
In his early twenties, Sharbel entered the Monastery of Saint Maron in Annaya. He made his final vows in 1853 and was ordained a priest in 1859. From 1875, he lived a life of seclusion as a hermit. Sharbel passed away on the eve of Christmas, December 24, 1898, after a short illness.
Sainthood
Even during his lifetime, Father Sharbel was known for his holiness. Many sought his advice and blessings. He had a deep devotion to the Eucharist and practiced strict monastic asceticism. Shortly after his burial, a glowing light was seen over his grave on the monastery cemetery. His body, which emitted sweat and blood, was transferred to a special tomb, which became a place of pilgrimage.
In 1925, Pope Pius XI authorized the beginning of the beatification process for Father Sharbel. In 1927 and 1950, his remains exuded fragrant oils, and he was attributed with numerous miraculous healings. He was beatified in 1965 and canonized in 1977 by Pope Paul VI. The liturgical feast day of Saint Sharbel is celebrated on the third Sunday of July. Additionally, since 1993, public worship services in his honor have been held on the 22nd of every month at the monastery in Annaya.
Miracles
The Church describes several miracles related to Saint Sharbel, which served as the basis for his beatification and canonization. These include the healing of Sister Maria Abel Kamari from the Monastery of the Two Sacred Hearts, the healing of Iskandar Na'im Obeid from Baatbad, and the healing of Mariam Awad from Amman.
Many miracles have occurred after the saint's death. One of the most well-known is the case of No'had El Shami, a 55-year-old woman who suffered from paralysis. In the night of January 22, 1993, she had a dream in which two Maronite monks stood by her bed. One of them laid his hands on her neck and performed an operation while the other placed a pillow under her neck. When she woke up, No'had discovered two wounds on her neck. She was completely healed and could walk freely. She believed that Saint Sharbel had operated on her, but she did not recognize the second monk. On the following night, she saw the saint again in her dream. He said, "I performed the operation on you so that people would see, and their faith would be restored. I ask you to visit the hermitage on the 22nd of every month and regularly participate in Mass for the rest of your life." According to popular belief, the second monk was Saint Maron.
