First-Class Relic of Saint Sharbel Installed at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Luling

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.
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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.
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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.