Hymn to Saint Charbel, Flame of Hidden Fidelity

O Saint Charbel,

silent watcher of the cedar heights,

friend of the night wind and the long vigil,

you who learned the language of God

where words were stripped away,

pray for us.

You fled the noise of many voices

to hear the One Voice that never fades.

In the narrow cell of obedience

you discovered the vastness of mercy,

and in the poverty of all things

you found the riches that do not pass.

Intercede for us, O faithful one.

Teach us the hunger that does not bargain,

the desire that does not demand signs,

the love that is content to wait

while the world rushes past in its fever.

Pray that our hearts may be schooled

in the patience of true longing.

You stood before God with empty hands,

offering neither defense nor excuse,

and the fire of prayer consumed you

until your life itself became a plea.

Obtain for us this simplicity,

that our prayer may be pure,

and our silence filled with presence.

O humble servant of the Eucharistic Lord,

hidden like leaven in the earth,

shape our lives to the measure of the Cross.

May our days be faithful,

our nights watchful,

our sufferings surrendered without complaint.

Saint Charbel,

guardian of perseverance and quiet strength,

pray that we may remain where God places us,

loving Him there without condition.

Let our hearts burn without being seen,

and our lives give praise without seeking reward.

Glory be to the Father who called you,

to the Son who formed you in obedience,

and to the Holy Spirit who set your soul aflame,

now and unto ages of ages. Amen.