The Archdiocese of Cebu welcomes the Pilgrim Relic of St. Charbel Makhlouf, a revered Lebanese monk and hermit known for his profound holiness and steadfastness as a contemplative.

A Welcome Mass was celebrated at the St. Thérèse of Lisieux Chapel of San Carlos Seminary College, which was presided over by Fr. Alvin Raypan (Seminary Rector).

As the Universal Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Fr. Raypan led the faithful to a reflection on how God transforms ordinary men into extraordinary instruments of His grace. Drawing from the lives of Sts. Peter, Paul, and Charbel, he emphasized that holiness is not found in human strength, but in surrendering one’s life to God’s will.

“Paul had to allow his rigidity to be confounded by the immensity of the mercy and love of God, to the point that he became the apostle of the ones he used to despise, the Gentiles. St. Charbel had to live in silence for most of his life so that the Word of God can become flesh in his life, and do all the miraculous things Jesus willed to do through him,” he said.

Despite the moments of emptiness, limitations, and silence experienced by these saints, he pointed out how these saints surrendered themselves to God’s will, allowing Him to work through them by bringing about conversion, healing the sick, raising the dead, and driving out demons. He further reminded the faithful that the same God continues to work through the Holy Eucharist today.

“In their emptiness, Jesus comes, and owns these ordinary elements to call His body, His blood, so that until today He can heal us, nourish us, renew us. And so in every Eucharist, we receive more than bread; we receive Christ himself,” he exhorted.

The relic visitation continues on June 30 at St. Joseph the Patriarch Parish before concluding on July 1 with the relic’s return to San Carlos Seminary College. Throughout the three-day pilgrimage, the faithful are invited to participate in the veneration of the relic, receive the Sacrament of Confession, and celebrate the Holy Mass as they seek the intercession of St. Charbel.