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LULING, Louisiana -- St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church welcomed a first-class relic of Saint Sharbel Makhlouf on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during a special event dedicated to prayer, veneration, and reflection on the spiritual message of the Lebanese Maronite saint. The gathering began with the Holy Rosary at 10:30 a.m., followed by the installation of the relic on a side altar in the church. The celebration continued with the 11:00 a.m. Holy Mass. In his homily, Deacon Mike Fabre reflected on the Parable of the Sower and the different ways people receive the Word of God. He presented Saint Sharbel as an example of someone who carefully cultivated the “soil” of his soul through prayer, sacrifice, obedience, work, and detachment from worldly recognition. Following the Mass, Eucharistic adoration was held in the chapel. The holy oil of Saint Sharbel was then administered before the public veneration of the relic began inside the church. The faithful formed a long line, approaching individually and as families to venerate the relic. Many touched or kissed the reliquary, made the Sign of the Cross, and paused in prayer. An image and a statue of Saint Sharbel were also displayed near the altar, creating a dedicated setting for personal devotion. A reception with a light lunch followed the veneration, offering those present an opportunity to gather in fellowship. After the reception, Raymond Nader, President of the Family of Saint Sharbel, gave a talk titled “Saint Sharbel Today.” He briefly recounted the saint’s life, from his childhood in Lebanon to his years as a monk, priest, and hermit in Annaya, and spoke about the miracles and spiritual graces associated with Saint Sharbel’s intercession. Mr. Nader also shared parts of his own spiritual journey, including the experience at Saint Sharbel’s hermitage in 1994 that led him to dedicate his life to Christian media and to spreading the saint’s message. The relic is now located at the altar of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Healing Chapel, where everyone is welcome to venerate it during chapel hours.
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On Friday, July 10, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Warrenton, VA, welcomed Raymond Nader, President of the Family of Saint Sharbel, for a talk on the life and spirituality of Saint Sharbel. Held in the church's main sanctuary, the 5 PM gathering drew parishioners and visitors who filled the pews to hear Mr. Nader speak. Members of the Family of Saint Sharbel were also present for the occasion.
The Warrenton stop is part of Raymond Nader's broader 2026 US visit, which includes stops at parishes across the country as well as Zoom prayer gatherings and talks. Full schedule HERE.
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Publishing DepartmentThe Family of Saint Sharbel has established a new Publishing Department. More
ProjectsLearn about our ongoing projects to help introduce Saint Sharbel and the Maronite spirituality to the English speaking communities. Check out our YouTube Channels
Saint Sharbel's Miracles & Healings .
Family of Saint Sharbel, USA.
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