As we rise to meet this new day, may our hearts be open to receive God’s Word and walk humbly in His ways.
Today, the Church honors Saint Sharbel Makhluf, a humble hermit from Lebanon known for his deep spirituality, healing miracles, and powerful intercession even after death.
Prayer of the Day
O loving and eternal God,
You called Saint Sharbel Makhluf into the silence of the desert, where he offered his life in prayer, fasting, and solitude. Help us, Lord, to imitate his devotion, simplicity, and unwavering love for You. May his prayers obtain for us the grace we need today, and may we find strength in our own struggles through his intercession.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Mass Readings of the Day
First Reading: Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20b
God descends upon Mount Sinai in fire and thunder to speak to His people.
Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56
Glory and praise forever!”
Gospel: Matthew 13:10-17
Jesus explains why He speaks in parables and blesses those who hear and understand the mysteries of the Kingdom.
Catholic Saint of the Day: Saint Sharbel Makhluf
Saint Sharbel Makhluf (1828–1898) was a Maronite monk and priest from Lebanon who lived a life of extreme asceticism, silence, and prayer in the mountains. After his death, numerous miracles and healings were attributed to his intercession.
Known as the “Wonderworker of Lebanon,” he became a bridge between East and West, drawing people from all over the world to faith and healing
5 Interesting Facts About Saint Sharbel Makhluf
- His body remained incorrupt – After his death, his body was discovered to be incorrupt and emitted a miraculous fluid for decades.
- He lived as a hermit for 23 years – He spent the last decades of his life in solitude, completely focused on prayer and the Eucharist.
- Thousands have reported miracles through his intercession – Healings have occurred across religious backgrounds, including Muslims and Christians alike.
- He was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1977 – His sanctity was recognized globally for his ascetic life and supernatural wonders.
- He is a national saint of Lebanon – His feast day is a national holiday, and his shrine in Annaya draws thousands of pilgrims annually.
