Family of Saint Sharbel, San Diego
MEMBERS
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Fr. Nabil Mouanness |
Elias Khoury |
Raja Hayek |
Antoine Hanna |
Joseph Salameh |
Ikbal Kiryakos |
Nouhad Salameh |
Antoine Kabban |
Saba Kiryakos |
Abdo Mouanness |
Christian Ghosson |
Laurance Khouri |
Richard Deeb |
Suleiman Abu Chakra |
Bernaditte |
Tony Melhem |
Najla Hawatmeh |
Walter Whitehead (New) |
Elie Habshi |
Sada Kiryakos |
Susan Whitehead (New) |
Micheel |
Pierre Faisal |
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| Suhil Doumit |
Elie Riachy |
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The family of Saint Sharbel was founded in San Diego at the beginning of 2003, through the efforts of Father Nabil Mouannes and members of Saint Ephrem church. Father Mouannes, on numerous occasions, preached the spirituality of Saint Sharbel and discussed his miracles. Interest in living the eastern spirituality through mass and prayers was very high among parishioners. All efforts resulted in a common good; parishioners provided monetary and managerial support to start the Family of Saint Sharbel.
The Goals of the Family:
- Provide monthly healing mass and blessing to the people.
- To spread the spirituality of Saint Sharbel through the translation of his prayers, life, miracles, and make them accessible to all.
- Living Saint Sharbel's spirituality through prayer and mass, to bring all people closer to God.
- To care and perfect the shrine of Saint Sharbel.
- With God's grace, to provide for families in need.
- To firmly establish Christian family morality through prayers especially the rosary.
Future Goals:
- To establish constant contact with our families throughout the world through publicized symposiums across the Internet.
- Monthly dinner and/or drinks after the holy mass, where all proceeds are collected to service Saint Sharbel's shrine, assist families in need or to support the Church's needs when possible.
Accomplishments:
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Established a bank account for the family of Saint Sharbel on December 12th, 2003. The initial deposit in the account was $3,300.
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Instituted the shrine of Saint Sharbel with an oil painting depicting the Saint praying in the mountains of Lebanon. The painting has dimensions of 48 x 72 inches and prices at $1500.
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Added to the shrine a statue of Saint Sharbel and a candle stand donated by a devoted person from Mexico.
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Added a donated oil portrait of Saint Sharbel near the altar of the shrine beside the image of the Blessed Mother of God.
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Dedicated the first Saturday of every month to the gathering of Saint Sharbel's family. The gathering starts with a short prayer followed by a meeting of the members to discuss the current and future issues of the family. At 5 PM, the family engages in readings of Saint Sharbel's life, words, spirituality, and miracles, until the beginning of the Holy Mass at 5:30 PM. Following the Mass is a blessing, with oil, from the Saint's hermitage at the monastery in Annaya, Lebanon.
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Healing of the sick that visited the shrine, shared in the Holy Mass and were blessed by Saint Sharbel's oil at Father Nabil Mouannes' hand were recorded.
Activities of the Family of Saint Sharbel:
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The family provides holy oil, incense, rosaries and spiritual books; all imported from Saint Sharbel's monastery to give to the parish.
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The family assists and take part in all the festivals of Mariam Mother of Life at Saint Ephrem Church.
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The family headed by Father Nabil Mouannes visits and prays the rosary for all the families that lose loved ones.
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