By Sr. Natalie Sayde
On Thursday and Friday, April 14th- 15th, the
relics of St. Sharbel, which have been making their way across Maronite
parishes throughout the U.S., arrived at the Parish of St. Theresa’s in
Brockton, MA. In collaboration with Pastor, Fr. Tony Mouannes, the Maronite
Servants of Christ the Light led the faithful in the recitation of the rosary
and Ramsho (Evening Prayer).
Mother Marla Marie also gave a presentation on the life and
spirituality of St. Sharbel; helping the faithful to reflect on and apply some
of the virtues that characterized St. Sharbel in their own lives, such as his
simplicity and deep thirst for prayer.
On Saturday, April 16th, the relics were transferred to the
Parish of Our Lady of the Cedars in Boston, MA, where Mother Marla Marie was
invited by Pastor, Msgr. Georges El-Khali to speak on the life and spirituality
of St. Sharbel.
A highlight during our visit to Boston was that both Mother Marla Marie
and I had the opportunity of holding the relics for the faithful to venerate.
It was a beautiful sight to see people of all nationalities and ages, making
their way down the aisle to venerate the relics of this holy hermit who only
loved and yearned for one thing in his life and the next – Christ Crucified.
St. Sharbel, pray for us!