Celebrations for the Feast of Saint Charbel continued in his hometown of Baakafra. The reception of the relics of Saint Refqa also took place at his home.
A procession set out from the Grotto of Saint Charbel, passing through the town’s streets and arriving at the house
and concluded with a Mass presided over by Father Elias Shukri
abbot of the Monastery of Beit Mar Charbel, assisted by the parish priest, Father Milad Makhlouf.
He called on the faithful to “follow her example and that of Saint Charbel, and to transform their sufferings into a testimony of faith and trust in God.”
As has been the custom for the past twenty-six years, the parish welcomed “the Family of Saint Charbel.” They had come from all regions of Lebanon and gathered in the church hall today.
A prayer procession then set out from the Church of Our Lady of the Pastoral Care to the Monastery of Mar Hoshb. There, a Mass was celebrated and was presided over by Father Milad Makhlouf. Monsignor Elie Khoury and the parish priests concelebrated as well.
In his homily, Father Milad Makhlouf noted that “Saint Charbel set a perfect example of absolute trust in God and of responding to His call.”
He emphasized that “Saint Charbel lived a life of complete self-renunciation for the sake of God, even in the most difficult decisions.”
Following the Mass, the townspeople and the “Family of Saint Charbel” gathered at the Brotherhood Center. They participated in the annual village dinner.
The event featured a cultural and traditional program that reflected the traditions of Baakafra and its festive atmosphere.
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