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Saint Sharbel studied theology and philosophy at the Seminary of Kfifan for the next four years. He was ordained after six years of study and then returned to St. Maron.
Saint Sharbel Became a Hermit
Saint Sharbel lived at St. Maron Monastery for sixteen years. He followed all his monastic duties and dedicated his life to Christ.
Saint Sharbel asked to live as a hermit in the hills near the monastery and was given permission in 1875. He lived alone, in silence for twenty-three years. Saint Sarbel died a hermit who had dedicated his life to fasting, prayer, and sacrifice.
The Villagers Kept Vigil
The villagers kept a vigil on the night that Saint Sharbel died. They spoke to one another saying, "If we are suffering so much for only one night in this severe winter, how was Father Charbel able to live twenty-three years here spending every night of his life, kneeling on bamboo, in pain from midnight until the time of his Mass at 9:00 o'clock in the morning, fasting and immobile as the stone statue erected on the floor before the altar. Truly, this hermit was a saint. He endured fatigue, hunger, poverty and cold with the courage of a martyr. Every minute of his life was martyrdom, without complaint. No doubt he is now finding the reward of his marvelous martyrdom, with God."
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