Humility and Miracles of St. Charbel – Jul 24 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jul 24, 2024, on St. Charbel (also spelled Sharbel), who was a Maronite saint known for his deep faith and miracles after death. He exemplified humility and prayerful dedication throughout his life.

St. Charbel was a Maronite saint who exemplified the parable of the rich soil producing a hundredfold. The Maronites, an Eastern Rite church in full communion with Rome, have a rich history dating back to their origins as Syriac Christians. St. Charbel was born in 1828 in Lebanon, in a devout family. His early life was marked by prayer and simplicity, preferring spiritual activities over play. At 23, he joined the monastery of Mayfouk, later moving to the more secluded Saint Maron-Annaya monastery to find the solitude he desired. Renowned for his humility and obedience, he was eventually ordained a priest. Despite his efforts to remain hidden, his virtue became known, and he attracted many seeking guidance. After a miraculous incident involving a lamp that burned water, he was sent to a hermitage, where he lived for 23 years in prayer and asceticism until his death in 1898. Miraculous signs followed his death, including the incorrupt state of his body and numerous healings attributed to him. St. Charbel was beatified in 1965 and canonized in 1977.

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Sharbel Maklouf - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=112
Readings: Wednesday in the 16th Week in Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072424.cfm
1st: jer 1:1, 4-10
Resp: psa 71:1-6, 15, 17
Gsp: mat 13:1-9

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1114&r=892

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