Thousands flock to see shrine dedicated to Saint who performed more than 40,000 miracles

More than 20,000 people have flocked to a Sydney church which has become just the second shrine in the world dedicated to a saint, who is known to have performed more than 40,000 miracles.

The permanent shrine will feature a 110kg coffin, with a replica of St Charbel’s body dressed in a priestly robe he once wore. It will also contain a relic – a bone from the saint born Youssef Antoun Makhlouf. Supplied

He is the saint with more than 40,000 known miracles to his name – second only to the Virgin Mary.

And now, Sydney’s south west has become the home to only the second shrine in the world dedicated to him.

At least 20,000 people flocked to St Charbel’s in Punchbowl for the arrival of a tomb carrying a replica of the Lebanese saint’s body dressed in a priestly robe he once wore.

It also contains a relic – a bone from the saint born Youssef Antoun Makhlouf.

“The unveiling of the sanctuary dedicated to St Charbel in Punchbowl marks a historic milestone for the Maronite Catholic community in Australia,” Father Anthony El-Kazzi, from St Charbel’s parish, said.

“It provides believers with a sacred space for prayer, reflection, and spiritual connection.

Thousands of Maronite Catholics joined the 1km street procession to St Charbel’s church.Picture: Giovanni Portelli Photography

Led by more than 70 pallbearers carrying the coffin of St Charbel, the procession was accompanied by hymns of faith, as it made its way through the streets of Punchbowl. Picture: Giovanni Portelli Photography

Thousands of Maronite Catholics braced the rain to join the street procession to St Charbel’s church. Picture: Giovanni Portelli Photography

Pierre Saba was among the 70 pallbearers carrying the coffin of St Charbel for more than hour before placing it at the church as thousands watched on.

“A Monk that was silent, that was quiet, that no one ever heard of, is now considered the most profound miracle Saint, that not just Maronites believe in him, but Orthodox, Coptics, Catholics and even Muslims seek his healing and prayers,” Mr Saba said.

“I was carrying his tomb and not thinking of the weight, the road or the weather, I couldn’t not see the elderly doing everything to touch his tomb for a blessing.

“Seeing men dropping tears. Seeing the sick praying from all their hearts and tapping on their chests. I learned it’s not what you are, or who you are, or who your family are, or where you work.

“I learned the importance of being one with God.”

Picture: Giovanni Portelli Photography

The permanent shrine will feature a 110kg coffin, with a replica of St Charbel’s body dressed in a priestly robe he once wore.

More than 10,000 flocked to St Charbel’s in Punchbowl for the arrival of a tomb carrying a replica of the Lebanese saint’s body dressed in a priestly robe he once wore.

The coffin was made in Lebanon by the same artist who made the original St Charbel coffin.

Australia is home to almost 300,000 Maronites - members of the Lebanese branch of the Catholic Church - with 45,000 in Sydney alone.

“The church of St Charbel in Punchbowl was the first dedicated to Blessed Charbel before his canonisation and it was the first one outside of Lebanon,” Bishop of the Maronite eparchy of Australia Antoine-Charbel Tarabay said.

“He remains one of the most beloved saints in the universal Catholic Church.”

Devotion to St Charbel is widespread and stretches far beyond his native country, including in the US, Mexico, China and Russia.

“One of the most remarkable aspects of St Charbel’s life is the profound spiritual experiences and miracles attributed to him, both during his lifetime and after his death,” Father Anthony said.

Picture: Giovanni Portelli Photography

Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay is joined with the St Charbel priests near the coffin. Picture: Images by Giovanni Portelli Photography

“After his death in 1898, St Charbel’s tomb became a site of pilgrimage, and around 40,000 recorded miracles were reported by those who visited his grave seeking his intercession.

“At least 10 per cent of these miracles have occurred for people of other religions or of no faith.

“His incorrupt body, which remains preserved to this day, is considered a miraculous sign that through Christ you can conquer death.”

Inside St Charbel’s church where his coffin was carried. Picture:Giovanni Portelli Photography

St Charbel has done more than 40,000 known miracles around the world.

St Charbel’s Punchbowl is considered one of the largest Catholic parishes in the world.

In light of recent events in Sydney, Bishop Tarabay said the significant celebration takes on an “added importance as a beacon of hope and unity”.

“As a community, we are united in the mission of peace, social harmony, and fraternity,” he said.

“It’s our responsibility to work together and engage in meaningful dialogue and action that keeps building peace and security.

“Coming together to pray and venerate this great saint, serves as a reminder of the strength derived from faith and shared values, and offers a sense of belonging and purpose to anyone seeking solace and connection in times of challenge.”

Despite the rain, thousands flocked to St Charbel Punchbowl. Picture: Giovanni Portelli Photography

Picture: Giovanni Portelli Photography

Picture: Giovanni Portelli Photography

St Charbel's Punchbowl is celebrating this year its 50th anniversary since the church was opened in Australia.

Parishioner Patrick Semaan with Fr Anthony El-Kazzi outside St Charbel's Punchbowl.

Patrick Semaan, 29, will be among the thousands of faithful parishioners who will gather to mark the historical night.

“The celebration is a reminder of God’s presence among the Maronite Catholic community here in Australia, which has grown strong and defiant in the face of hardship,” Mr Semaan said.

“It’s an honour and privilege of my lifetime to witness the dedication of St Charbel’s Maronite Catholic Church to become a global shrine.”

Originally published as Thousands flock to see shrine dedicated to Saint who performed more than 40,000 miracles