Charbel

Modest sounds fair to define it and, indeed, like many Christian films, it has its precise target, seems no intentions to demonstrate something and its basic purpose seems to remind, not tell.

But it has two precious virtues:

• it is a honest portrait of Charbel Maklouf life , from moment of birth to his rest, reminding, in sketch form, realities of XIX century Lebanon;
• the good acting and inspire form of remind of venerable monk, near the death , of pieces defining his way in life.

At the end, being grateful for beautiful photography, it is obvious than can not be a better manner to present a saint , in special one of the hills of Maronite Church.

I appreciate the gentle grace of storytelling , the decent acting.

EWTN ran this film last night on the Lebanese Saint Charbel. Even as a boy, Jousef was already praying like an adult. In his early twenties he left his widowed mother and joined a monastery against her wishes. The movie is slow and meditative, Charbel was a holy man who dedicated his life to God. Those around him knew that he was a special man. I struggle daily with my own Catholic faith ans maybe Charbel will help me to do better. I write this review on Palm Sunday.