Growing Devotion to Saint Sharbel at St. Joseph Parish in Astoria, NY

​​Devotion to Saint Sharbel has been steadily growing at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Astoria, New York, where parishioners continue to gather in increasing numbers to honor Saint Sharbel and seek his intercession.

This special devotion to the beloved Lebanese saint took root in 2022, when the parish received a first-class relic of Saint Sharbel following the miraculous healing of Deacon Michael Chirichella from bladder cancer through the saint’s intercession. The first Mass in honor of Saint Sharbel was celebrated on October 24th of that same year.

Deacon Michael’s journey later led him to connect with the Family of Saint Sharbel USA, who reviewed his medical records and recognized his healing as one of Saint Sharbel’s many intercessions.

Since then, St. Joseph Parish has established a monthly Saint Sharbel Mass on the third Monday of every month. The celebration is followed by veneration of the Blessed Sacrament, anointing with the holy oil of Saint Sharbel, and veneration of the saint’s first-class relic.
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The parish’s devotion was further strengthened on July 24, 2023, when St. Joseph Church consecrated a new statue of Saint Sharbel among its shrines.

​Today, devotion to Saint Sharbel continues to flourish at St. Joseph Parish, with participation growing month after month as more faithful are drawn to prayer, healing, and the powerful intercession of Saint Sharbel.

A short clip from the Saint Sharbel Mass celebrated at St. Joseph Parish on April 20, 2026.