The Family of Saint Sharbel in the Philippines: A Decade of Growing Devotion

​Ten years ago, in the Philippines, a small group of faithful began gathering in prayer under the name of the Family of Saint Sharbel, carrying in their hearts a quiet desire to make the saint better known in a country where devotion to him was still in its early stages.

A major development on this journey came on December 8, 2025, when His Eminence José F. Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, accepted the request of the Family of Saint Sharbel to promote devotion to Saint Sharbel in Manila. In the same decision, he appointed Fr. Hans Magdurulang as the spiritual director of the community. This recognition marked an important new chapter for the mission of the Family of Saint Sharbel in the Philippines, giving it both pastoral guidance and renewed momentum.

Under the spiritual care of Fr. Hans, devotion has continued to grow in a visible and deep manner. On the 22nd of each month, he now celebrates a Mass for the Sick followed by Blessing with the Holy Oil of Saint Sharbel at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Malate, Manila. These monthly gatherings have become a source of comfort and hope for many. Parishioners come in the hundreds, bringing before the Lord their prayers, sufferings, loved ones, and intentions, and seeking His grace through the intercession of Saint Sharbel.

A particularly meaningful moment in this story took place in February 2026, when Fr. Hans and his brother visited Lebanon. During their stay, they were welcomed by the Family of Saint Sharbel in Lebanon, who accompanied them in a spirit of fraternity and shared mission. Their visit included several important spiritual sites, most especially the sanctuary of Saint Sharbel in Annaya, where they were able to pray and deepen their connection to his witness and legacy; Bekaakafra, the hometown of Saint Sharbel; the Holy Valley of Qannoubine; the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke; Harissa; the home of Nohad El Shami; Tombs of Lebanon’s Saints and Blesseds; and other places. At the end of the visit, the Family of Saint Sharbel in Lebanon offered Fr. Hans literature, bottles of blessed oil, and two first-class relics of Saint Sharbel, which he later referred to one of them as the “Pilgrim Relic.”

​This visit became a providential bridge between Lebanon and the Philippines. Soon after returning, Fr. Hans brought this grace-filled experience to the faithful in Manila. On Sunday, March 1, at 10:00 a.m., thousands of devotees and parishioners gathered at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish–Malate for the Welcome Mass of the Pilgrim Relic of Saint Sharbel, celebrated by Fr. Hans Magdurulang. The celebration was followed by the veneration of the relic and the distribution of the blessed oil of Saint Sharbel, creating a deeply prayerful moment for all those present.

The mission continues to expand. During the month of March, the Pilgrim Relic is scheduled to visit parishes across Manila, bringing the presence and witness of Saint Sharbel to even more faithful. What began years ago with a small prayer group is now bearing abundant fruit, as devotion to Saint Sharbel continues to spread across the Philippines.
 
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