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St. Sharbel Centennial
1898 - 1998
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The Centennial Prayer
"O Heavenly Father, O Father of Truth," The words of the divine liturgy were the last utterances of Your chosen one, Saint Sharbel, You brought Sharbel into Your beatific presence on Christmas Eve: Let us sanctify and glorify your name, Let us work to realize Your Kingdom in and among us, and Let us conduct ourselves according to Your holy testament and will.
O Lord Jesus, Redeemer and Savior, You called Saint Sharbel to priesthood, You filled him with Your grace and blessing so that He imitated you in poverty, chastity, and obedience as a Maronite Monk--
Enlighten us so that we live for You, Enlighten us so that we live by Your holy word through love and peace.
O Holy Spirit, Source of grace and holiness, You wished the centennial of Saint Sharbel's death to coincide with this year Dedicated to You as part of the upcoming millennium of the Mystery of the Incarnation and Redemption--
Let us walk in Your light, Let us imitate our patron Saint Sharbel, Let us serve Your life-giving sacraments, and Let us work to reveal the Kingdom of God and Nurture the seeds of salvation in our daily lives.
O Virgin Mary, Mother of the Redeemer, "Cedar of Lebanon," You were Sharbel's mother and protector, You, he wished that we honor and praise, O beautiful "Morning Star": Lead us to your Son, Guide us to "the Light", Guide us to "the Way" Guide us to "the Truth", So with you and Saint Sharbel We may be worthy to Thank, Bless and Glorify Him. In the name of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, Now and Forever.
December 24, 1998 marks the 100th Anniversary of St. Sharbel's passage to God's right hand. To mark the occasion, we are happy to publish The Saint Sharbel Centennial Prayer. The prayer is translated from Arabic by Guita Hourani and Ed Brice from the official booklet published by the Lebanese Maronite Order and entitled: Saint from Lebanon: the First Centennial of the Death of Saint Sharbel, the Lebanese Maronite Monk (1898-1998). --Lebanon, (1997). Reprinted with permission from the Maronite Research Institute.
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