Charbel Makhlouf

St. Charbel Makhlouf (1828-1898) was a Maronite Catholic priest and hermit from Lebanon. He was known for his deep spirituality, ascetic lifestyle, and miraculous healings. Born in the village of Beka-Kafra, Charbel entered the Monastery of St. Maron as a young man and was ordained a priest in 1859. He later moved to a hermitage where he lived in solitude, prayer, and penance until his death. Charbel is renowned for the miracles and healings associated with his intercession, and he was canonized in 1977 by Pope Paul VI, becoming the first Lebanese saint. He is the patron saint of Lebanon and is invoked for physical and spiritual healing.