As many of you know from the recent conflict in Lebanon, a large portion of the Lebanese population is "Christian." In fact, these Christians are nearly all Roman Catholics of the Maronite Rite. In the 1800's, Lebanon produced one of the greatest saints of recent history - perhaps one of the greatest saints ever - St. Charbel Makhlouf, whose life has been said to be the "male counterpart to St. Therese of Lisieux's 'Little Way'." Very few people know about him. Hundreds of miracles occurred, both during his life and after.

His body remained ABSOLUTELY INCORRUPT for over 75 years and HUNDREDS OF MIRACLES occured at his tomb, including the conversions of Moslems. As to his holiness - one example will suffice. He offered Mass every day at 11:00 AM. He began his preparations at midnight the night before - 11 HOURS in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament before every Mass he offered! Not surprisingly, second to the Mass was his devotion to Mary and her Holy Rosary. Let us pray for the intercession of St. Charbel for the physical and spiritual welfare of our fellow Catholics in Lebanon.