As part of its special coverage of St. Sharbel Feast celebrations across the Lebanese diaspora, DiasporaEcho turns its attention to the U.S. state of Michigan, where St. Sharbel Maronite Parish in Clinton Township is preparing for a week of spiritual celebrations highlighted by the dedication of a new St. Sharbel Shrine and the reception of First-Class Relics of the saint from Annaya, Lebanon.

In an exclusive interview with DiasporaEcho, Chorbishop Alfred Badawi, pastor of St. Sharbel Maronite Parish in Michigan, said that the Feast of St. Sharbel is a unique occasion that brings together the Lebanese community and faithful from across the United States especially those with Middle Eastern roots under one umbrella of faith, culture, and community.

"It is a time to thank God for all the blessings, healings, and answered prayers we have received through the intercession of our beloved St. Sharbel," he said. "It is also a time to come together as one family of faith, entrusting the Lord with everything in our hearts, just as St. Sharbel did."

Chorbishop Badawi noted that this year marks the parish's 40th anniversary in Michigan under the protection and guidance of St. Sharbel. He explained that the new shrine reflects the community's deep devotion to St. Sharbel and the Maronite saints. It features five mosaic icons depicting St. Sharbel, St. Rafqa, St. Hardini, St. Maron, and Our Lady of Lebanon.

He added that the shrine will remain open throughout the day as a place of prayer and adoration for all who seek the Lord and the intercession of the saints. "It represents the growth of our parish over the past four decades and will serve as a place of healing and prayer for generations to come," he said.

The highlight of this year's celebrations will take place on July 19, 2026, the Feast of St. Sharbel, with the dedication of the new shrine in the presence of Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, who will bless the shrine. The ceremony will be followed by a community brunch open to parishioners and visitors.

The parish will also welcome First-Class Relics of St. Sharbel from Annaya between July 17 and 24. During that week, the church will remain open daily for private prayer and veneration of the relics, in addition to healing liturgies, confessions, and Eucharistic Adoration.

Speaking about attendance, Chorbishop Badawi said the parish expects to welcome faithful from Maronite parishes throughout Michigan, the Midwest, as well as Catholic pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Detroit and members of the Chaldean community, who have a strong devotion to St. Sharbel. He expects thousands of visitors throughout the week of celebrations.

Concluding the interview, the pastor shared a message with the Lebanese diaspora and all devotees of St. Sharbel: "May the Feast of St. Sharbel and his intercession bring joy and healing to our bodies and souls, and may God grant peace and security to our homeland Lebanon, the Middle East, and the entire world."

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