Charbel Makhluf

In 1851, at the age of 23, Youssef joined the Monastery of Our Lady of Mayfouq, then the Monastery of Saint Maron in Annaya within the Lebanese Maronite Order, taking the name Charbel. He pronounced his vows in 1853. After theological studies in Kfifane under the guidance of Saint Nimatullah Kassab Al-Hardini, he was ordained a priest on July 23, 1859, in Bkerké by Bishop Youssef Al-Marid. After sixteen years of community life in Annaya, he retired in 1875 to the Hermitage of Saints Peter and Paul. He spent his last 23 years there in solitude and adoration, before passing away on December 24, 1898.

Considered a saint during his lifetime for his extreme asceticism and the miracle of the water lamp, his fame grew after his death. A mysterious light shone over his tomb, leading to his exhumation in 1899. His body was discovered perfectly intact and supple, exuding a reddish liquid (blood and sweat). This phenomenon of incorruptibility and exudation lasted for 67 years, verified during several official exhumations (1927, 1950, 1952, 1955) by committees of doctors and theologians, before ceasing in 1965.

The cause for beatification was introduced in 1925-1926. On December 5, 1965, during the closing of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI celebrated his beatification at St. Peter's Basilica, describing him as an "admirable flower of holiness." On October 9, 1977, Pope Paul VI presided over his canonization, making him the first monk and hermit from the East to be canonized by Rome according to the modern procedure.

The spirituality of Saint Charbel is based on silence, detachment, working the land, mystical contemplation, the Eucharist, and Marian devotion. His tomb in Annaya is a global pilgrimage center attracting millions of people. Tens of thousands of healings are recorded there. His devotion transcends religious boundaries, bringing together Catholics, Orthodox, Muslims, and Druze.