Saint Charbel

[CatholicLife]

Why is Saint Charbel so popular in Mexico? IS there a big population of Maronites in Mexico? Whle looking at pictures of him in Mexico , I saw that his statues are covered in ribbons with prayers on them. I know what the colors represent but is this a Mexican or Maronite custom?

 

[malphono]

I’ve no idea why Mar Charbel is so popular in Mexico, but then I’ve no idea why, for example, S Jean Vianney (le Curé d’Ars) is so popular outside of France either.

Anyway, while it’s not huge, there is a notable Maronite population in Mexico. Some in Mexico City, and large communities in Puebla and Merida, among other places. FYI, (and FWIW), Carlos Slim is a Maronite.

The ribbons on the statue must be a local custom. I’ve never seen anything of the sort in either the Levant or the US. The only thing similar that I can think of is the Eastern Mediterranean custom of tying a cloth to a branch of certain trees, usually either in memory of a loved one or with a petition for a particular need. But even that is always a white cloth.

 

[rjm22c]

Saint Charbel is so popular in Mexico for a number of reasons
1, the maronite population in mexico is greater than 500, 000
2. the maronites in general are very pious christians that have and spread their devotion
especially towards their saints
3. Saint Charbel has performed great miracles and healings around the world and including in Mexico, thus increased in popularity,

im currently helping to translate a book about eye witnesses of saint charbel’ s life and miracles, i have published some of the the stories in the book on youtube
if you are interested i will publish for you the stories in the book regarding St Charbel’s miracles in Mexico.

here are the links and there should be more to come soon, of which i will inform you.

youtube.com/watch?v=NYpWvtmrEvg

youtube.com/watch?v=a6kh4MLDgLo

youtube.com/watch?v=NYpWvtmrEvg