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Also known as: Joseph
Zaroun Makhlouf
Profile
Son of a mule driver. Raised by an uncle who opposed the boy's youthful
piety. The boy's favorite book was Thomas a Kempis's The Imitation of
Christ. At age 23 he snuck away to join the Baladite monastery of Saint
Maron at Annaya where he took the name Charbel in memory of a 2nd century
martyr. Professed his solemn vows in 1853. Ordained in 1859, becoming a
heiromonk.
He lived as a model monk, but dreamed of living like the ancient desert
fathers. Hermit from 1875 until his death 23 years later, living on the
bare minimums of everything. Gained a reputation for holiness, and was
much sought for counsel and blessing. He had a great personal devotion to
the Blessed Sacrament, and was known to levitate during his prayers.
Briefly paralyzed for unknown reasons just before his death.
Several post-mortem miracles attributed him, including periods in 1927 and
1950 when a bloody "sweat" flowed from his corpse. His tomb has become a
place of pilgrimage for Lebanese and non-Lebanese, Christian and
non-Christian alike.
Born: 8 May 1828 at Beka-Kafra, Lebanon as Joseph Zaroun Makhlouf
Died: 24 December 1898 at Annaya of natural causes
Beatified: 1965 by Pope Paul VI
Canonized: 9 October 1977 by Pope Paul VI
source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintc47.htm
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