The Bread of Life

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Holy God, you called St. Charbel from Lebanon's villages into the prayer of the Maronite Church and the hidden life of a hermit. As I begin this novena, gather my restless heart and receive my intention. Through his intercession, deepen my love for the Eucharist, make my work an offering, and form me into an instrument of healing, unity, and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will not be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

As a Maronite priest, Charbel's days were centered on Christ in the Holy Qurbono, the Maronite celebration of the Divine Liturgy. The Eucharist was not separate from his silence, work, and sacrifice; it gathered them into one offering. At the altar, Christ feeds us so that our entire life may become thanksgiving and self-gift.

Jesus, Bread of Life, deepen my hunger for you. Through St. Charbel's intercession, bless Maronite priests and all who prepare and celebrate the Holy Qurbono. Keep me from receiving the Eucharist carelessly. Unite my prayer, work, suffering, and joy to your offering, and send me from worship ready to become nourishment for others. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

St. Charbel, monk, priest, and hermit of the Maronite Church, your hidden life in Christ became a lamp far beyond Lebanon. Carry my intention before God. Pray for those who are sick, displaced, grieving, or divided by conflict, and for everyone who cares for them. Help me seek Christ in silence, receive him in the Eucharist, work with love, and become a bearer of his peace. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.