St. Charbel, pray for us and for peace!

Today is the feast day of St. Charbel Makhloof (1828-1898), the Lebanese Maronite Catholic monk and hermit whom Pope Paul VI canonized in 1977.

Let us ask him to intercede for peace with justice and reconciliation in the entire area, and for relief of the suffering of everyone on all sides of every conflict in that part of the world.

Naturally, our concern extends especially to the civilians -- on all sides -- that God may console them in their bereavement and that we and the world may aid them in their dire necessity. We also pray that all holy sites be spared from harm, as well as hospitals.

St. Charbel, please pray for us and for peace throughout the Middle East!

(Click on this post's title to learn more about St. Charbel.)