Saint Sharbel's Permanent Home in Luling
This article was published in Mary’s Helper’s Newsletter, 2026 July & August Issue.
On July 12, 2026, Saint Sharbel was given a permanent home in the Our lady of Guadalupe Healing Chapel in Luling, Louisiana. Through the combined efforts of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and Mary's Helpers, we were blessed to help bring Saint Sharbel to South Louisiana.
Louisiana now has two relics of Saint Sharbel - one at the Church of Saint Sharbel in Baton Rouge and another in Luling, just 30 minutes outside New Orleans.
Some say Saint Sharbel chose us, and after everything that happened, I believe that may be true. When we placed his beautiful, blessed relic into the altar of the Healing Chapel, it seemed as though the altar had been made for him—and he for the altar. It was a beautiful and powerful sight.
Nearly 300 people came on that bright, sunny Sunday to venerate Saint Sharbel's relic. We are already hearing stories of possible miracles, and I believe there will be many more to come.
Louisiana now has two relics of Saint Sharbel - one at the Church of Saint Sharbel in Baton Rouge and another in Luling, just 30 minutes outside New Orleans.
Some say Saint Sharbel chose us, and after everything that happened, I believe that may be true. When we placed his beautiful, blessed relic into the altar of the Healing Chapel, it seemed as though the altar had been made for him—and he for the altar. It was a beautiful and powerful sight.
Nearly 300 people came on that bright, sunny Sunday to venerate Saint Sharbel's relic. We are already hearing stories of possible miracles, and I believe there will be many more to come.
We were also honored to meet Raymond Nader, founder of the Family of Saint Sharbel, who traveled from Lebanon and spent July visiting friends and members of the Family of Saint Sharbel USA.
During the installation Mass, Raymond shared funny stories from his childhood and gave us a glimpse into his deep faith. He told us about helping his grandfather, a priest, make bread on Saturdays. The next day, that bread would be consecrated and become the Body of Jesus. As a child, Raymond wondered why people didn't simply eat the bread while it was still warm from the oven—he thought it tasted better that way!
Raymond also shared a profound experience from later in his life. He described being touched—or, as he says, actually burned—by a divine light. The experience left marks on his arm that are still visible today. Several times a year, especially around the Feast of Saint Sharbel and Christmas, the marks become red and even bleed.
If you have the opportunity, look up Raymond Nader's talk at St. Anthony of Padua and listen to his full story. It is truly worth hearing.
A Very Personal Moment
I also want to share something very personal. It took nearly a year for Saint Sharbel's relic to finally arrive. There were many obstacles, but with God's help, we persevered—and it finally happened.
Perhaps that is why, when I walked up to venerate the relic, I paused to pray to Saint Sharbel and was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion. I felt as though Saint Sharbel was speaking to me through that moment, reminding of everything that had happened during that difficult year. So many emotions came rushing in, and then the tears came. I couldn't hold them back.
It was such a powerful moment that I truly believe God was present with me through Saint Sharbel.
There are moments in life we know we will never forget—moments so special that all the struggles, obstacles, and effort it took to get there suddenly seem completely worth it.
This was one of those moments for me.
Come Meet Saint Sharbel
If you are within driving distance of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church at 234 Angus Drive in Luling, Louisiana, I highly encourage you to take some time to visit. Saint Sharbel is right there in the Healing Chapel—and how beautiful is that?
Saint Sharbel is known throughout the world for the many reported healings associated with his intercession. Yet there are still so many people who have never heard of him, and honestly, that amazes me.
So, spread the word! Tell your family and friends. Share the story of this amazing saint who is now right here in South Louisiana.
Maybe someone you know is praying for healing of the body, mind, or soul. Maybe Saint Sharbel is waiting for them in Luling.
Come meet Saint Sharbel. Come pray. Come see for yourself. Love y'all!
Healing through St. Sharbel
This story of healing came to me from Renny Palmisano who was there at the installation ceremony on July 12, 2026. Here is her story. Thank you, Renny, for sharing.
Learn more about the installation of a First-Class Relic of Saint Sharbel at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Luling.
During the installation Mass, Raymond shared funny stories from his childhood and gave us a glimpse into his deep faith. He told us about helping his grandfather, a priest, make bread on Saturdays. The next day, that bread would be consecrated and become the Body of Jesus. As a child, Raymond wondered why people didn't simply eat the bread while it was still warm from the oven—he thought it tasted better that way!
Raymond also shared a profound experience from later in his life. He described being touched—or, as he says, actually burned—by a divine light. The experience left marks on his arm that are still visible today. Several times a year, especially around the Feast of Saint Sharbel and Christmas, the marks become red and even bleed.
If you have the opportunity, look up Raymond Nader's talk at St. Anthony of Padua and listen to his full story. It is truly worth hearing.
A Very Personal Moment
I also want to share something very personal. It took nearly a year for Saint Sharbel's relic to finally arrive. There were many obstacles, but with God's help, we persevered—and it finally happened.
Perhaps that is why, when I walked up to venerate the relic, I paused to pray to Saint Sharbel and was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion. I felt as though Saint Sharbel was speaking to me through that moment, reminding of everything that had happened during that difficult year. So many emotions came rushing in, and then the tears came. I couldn't hold them back.
It was such a powerful moment that I truly believe God was present with me through Saint Sharbel.
There are moments in life we know we will never forget—moments so special that all the struggles, obstacles, and effort it took to get there suddenly seem completely worth it.
This was one of those moments for me.
Come Meet Saint Sharbel
If you are within driving distance of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church at 234 Angus Drive in Luling, Louisiana, I highly encourage you to take some time to visit. Saint Sharbel is right there in the Healing Chapel—and how beautiful is that?
Saint Sharbel is known throughout the world for the many reported healings associated with his intercession. Yet there are still so many people who have never heard of him, and honestly, that amazes me.
So, spread the word! Tell your family and friends. Share the story of this amazing saint who is now right here in South Louisiana.
Maybe someone you know is praying for healing of the body, mind, or soul. Maybe Saint Sharbel is waiting for them in Luling.
Come meet Saint Sharbel. Come pray. Come see for yourself. Love y'all!
Healing through St. Sharbel
This story of healing came to me from Renny Palmisano who was there at the installation ceremony on July 12, 2026. Here is her story. Thank you, Renny, for sharing.
Learn more about the installation of a First-Class Relic of Saint Sharbel at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Luling.
