A hidden monk who became a light to the world

Saint Charbel Makhlouf did not seek to make a name for himself. He lived discreetly, in a hermitage perched on the heights of Lebanon, praying, fasting, and celebrating Mass in almost absolute silence. Yet, since his death in 1898, he has become one of the most invoked saints in the world, particularly for the sick.

The miracles associated with Saint Charbel are not events of the past. They continue to this day. Every year, hundreds of testimonies of healing are reported by people who have prayed to his intercession. The Church has officially recognised several of them. But beyond the spectacular cases, there are above all thousands of appeased hearts, reconciled families and transformed lives that bear witness to his silent but powerful intercession.

Impressive physical healings

One of the most famous miracles involved Nohad El-Chami, a Lebanese woman suffering from paralysing hemiplegia. After praying to Saint Charbel, she reported that he appeared to her in a dream, operated on her neck, and the next day she was able to walk again. This miracle, which occurred in 1993, shook Lebanon to its core and attracted even more pilgrims to Annaya.

Other healings involve terminal cancers, neurological disorders, or illnesses that medicine cannot explain. Quite often, the healed say they have felt deep peace, a gentle light, and a reassuring presence.

Spiritual miracles just as powerful

St Charbel's miracles do not just concern the body. Many bear witness to an inner renewal: a return to faith, liberation from addictions, impossible forgiveness becoming possible. In the silence of prayer, invisible chains fall, hearts soften.

We should not look for spectacular demonstrations from him. What he achieves, he does in humility, in secrecy, as he has always lived.

A sign of God's mercy

Saint Charbel does not heal to make people believe in him, but to lead them to God. He is a sign of God's mercy. Every miracle is an invitation to trust and hope. Even in the most desperate human situations, God continues to act through his saints.

His intercession reminds us that faith can move mountains, that prayer is never in vain, and that heaven is never deaf to human suffering.

Prayer to Saint Charbel in the face of an impossible situation

Saint Charbel,

you who so loved silence and prayer,

come to my aid at this difficult time.

You who obtained so many cures,

intercede for me today.

I entrust to you this impossible situation,

this pain that I no longer know how to bear.

Make possible what I no longer dare hope for.

Give me strength, peace and faith.

And if the miracle I am waiting for does not come,

then obtain for me to accept God's will with confidence.

Saint Charbel, faithful priest,

show me that I am never alone.

Be a companion on my path of trial,

and a witness to Christ's love.

Amen.