Manila Cathedral Welcomes the Pilgrim Relic of Saint Sharbel

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.

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