Category: Mass

Manila Cathedral Welcomes the Pilgrim Relic of Saint Sharbel

3/27/2026

On March 25, 2026, the Manila Cathedral welcomed the Pilgrim Relic of Saint Sharbel Makhlouf in a celebration held on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. The Relic visit was made possible through the efforts of The Family of Saint Sharbel in the Philippines, together with Fr. Hans Magdurulang, who brought the relic to the Mother Church for this special occasion.

Msgr. Rolly dela Cruz, Fr. Viel, and the cathedral community warmly welcomed the first-class bone relic of Saint Sharbel. From the beginning of the day, devotees flocked to the Manila Cathedral to pray, reflect, and venerate the relic of Saint Sharbel, whose witness of holiness continues to inspire the faithful across the world.

Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula presided over the celebration of the Holy Mass on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, welcoming and venerating the Pilgrim Relic of Saint Sharbel.

In his homily, Cardinal Advincula reflected on the deep spiritual connection between the Solemnity of the Annunciation and the life of Saint Sharbel. He presented Mary’s fiat, her complete yes to God, as the perfect model of trust, surrender, and openness to divine grace. He then pointed to Saint Sharbel as one who lived that same total offering through silence, prayer, fasting, solitude, and hidden holiness. The Cardinal reminded the faithful that both Mary and Saint Sharbel reveal a path not marked by control or certainty but by faithfulness, trust, and complete belonging to God. He also emphasized that the presence of Saint Sharbel’s relics is not simply a remembrance of a holy monk but a living invitation for all believers to offer their own lives more fully to the Lord. Read the complete homily HERE.

Following the Holy Mass, the blessing with the oil of Saint Sharbel was also held, allowing the faithful to participate more deeply in this moment of prayer and devotion.

The visit of the Pilgrim Relic to the Manila Cathedral is part of a broader journey of prayer in March and April, 2026, during which the relic is visiting parishes and communities in the Philippines, giving more faithful the opportunity to encounter the spiritual legacy of Saint Sharbel in a personal and prayerful way.

The gathering at the Manila Cathedral was a moving witness to the growing devotion to Saint Sharbel in the Philippines. It was also a beautiful reminder that the saints continue to lead hearts to Christ, inviting the faithful to deeper trust, greater surrender, and renewed hope in God’s grace.

For more news from The Family of Saint Sharbel – Philippines visit their Facebook page.
You can also check our Tagalog website.

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Celebration of the Birthday of Saint Sharbel, May 20, 2023

5/31/2023

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The Family of Saint Sharbel celebrated the Birthday of Saint Sharbel on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Shrine of Saint Sharbel, at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, in Emmitsburg, MD.

The celebration started with Confessions, then at 12 PM, Fr. Cesar celebrated the Divine Liturgy in St. Mary's Chapel.

After the Holy Mass, a first-class relic of Saint Sharbel was made available for veneration. Then Fr. Cesar led a procession with the relic, while the faithful followed singing Maronite hymns. At the shrine, they gathered for the final blessing with the relic and individual blessing with the Holy oil of Saint Sharbel.

Watch the Celebration Video

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A Monthly Healing Mass in Honor of Saint Sharbel

10/26/2022

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Father Vincent Chirichella, pastor of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church (Astoria, New York) began a monthly healing Mass in honor of Saint Sharbel. The first healing Mass was celebrated on Monday, October 24th at 7:30pm, with the participation of the priests of the house and joined by more than a hundred parishioners.

St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church

After the Gospel reading, Deacon Michael Chirichella shared his powerful testimony. (Read the full testimony HERE.)

The Mass was followed by the blessing with the blessed oil of St. Sharbel and the veneration of the first-class relic of Saint Sharbel. The Family of Saint Sharbel - USA was blessed enough to attend and distribute literature about Saint Sharbel.

Deacon Michael Chirichella

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Celebration of the Feast of Saint Sharbel, 2022

8/9/2022

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On the 23rd of July 2022, “The Family of Saint Sharbel” in the US celebrated the Feast of Saint Sharbel at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

At 12 PM, Fr. Cesar (IVE), Chaplain at the Shrine, celebrated the Holy Mass in St. Mary's Chapel. The Lebanese community in the area, as well as other pilgrims of the National Shrine, joined “The Family of Saint Sharbel” in this celebration.

After the Holy Mass, Fr. Cesar celebrated the veneration of and the blessing with St. Sharbel’s Relic.

The celebration video:

At the end, Literature on Saint Sharbel were distributed to the faithful.

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The Fourth Anniversary of the Shrine of Saint Sharbel

10/14/2021

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Statue of Saint Sharbel at the Shrine of St. Sharbel in Maryland

On the 9th of October 2021, “The Family of Saint Sharbel” in the US celebrated the fourth anniversary of the Shrine of Saint Sharbel at the National Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Faithful during the Holy Mass in St. Mary's Glass Chapel for the 4th anniversary of the Shrine of St Sharbel in Maryland, US

On this occasion, Fr Cesar celebrated the Holy Mass in St. Mary's Glass Chapel. “The Family of Saint Sharbel, USA” participated in the celebration along with the Lebanese community in the area, as well as other pilgrims. Arabic Maronite hymns were incorporated into the anniversary Mass.

After the Mass, Fr Cesar led a procession with the relic of Saint Sharbel (placed in a cedar-shape reliquary) while the faithful followed singing the traditional Maronite hymns. At the shrine, they gathered for the final blessing with the relic. In conclusion of the celebration, the faithful approached to venerate Saint Sharbel’s relic placed in front of the statue.

Celebration Video