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