A new Lebanese Maronite Order (LMO) monastery dedicated to Saint Charbel has opened in Villiers-sur-Marne, just 40 km from Paris, marking the first of its kind in France and the third in Europe, after Rome (Lateran) and Belgium (Abbaye du Bois Seigneur Isaac). The monastery is set to become a vibrant center of Christian spiritual life for the Maronite diaspora and local faithful alike.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Patriarch Bechara al-Rai and attended by Mgr. Michel Jalkh, Secretary of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches; Rabih al-Shaer, Lebanon’s ambassador, accompanied by his spouse; Mgr. Peter Karam, Apostolic Administrator of the Maronite Eparchy in France; Father Hadi Mahfouz, LMO Superior; Father Georges Ghattas, monastery Superior; and Sister Véronique Leouillet, Superior General of the Sisters of Mary-Joseph and Mercy, the congregation that originally cared for the cloister. Around a thousand faithful, some traveling long distances, participated in the landmark event.
The monastery reflects not only the enduring vitality of the LMO, founded over three centuries ago in Lebanon’s Holy Valley, but also the hopes of young Lebanese emigrants seeking stability amid repeated crises. Currently, the monastery serves as a place for daytime retreats and community gatherings, explains Father Georges Ghattas, while hosting longer-term retreatants will await French government authorization.
Ties Dating Back to the 12th Century
At the opening of the ceremony, Patriarch al-Rai declared: “We are deeply honored to preside over this inauguration, which forms part of a long history of friendship between the Maronites and France, dating back to the 12th century. Its most remarkable fruit has been the birth of modern Lebanon.”
Al-Rai also revealed that the project was born from a healing grace experienced by Pascale Vernet, the convent’s sales commissioner. “We take this wonderful opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Sisters of Mary-Joseph and Mercy for their keen interest in this endeavor, and for the admirable efforts carried out with joy and dedication by Ms. Pascale Vernet. The successful outcome of her appeal to Saint Charbel’s intercession, during a serious health challenge, reveals through this sanctuary project, the mysterious workings of Providence.”
Pascale Vernet had temporarily halted negotiations for the convent’s sale due to a serious illness. After receiving Saint Charbel’s holy oil, she made a full recovery. Convinced of the miracle, she later resumed contact with the LMO and successfully completed the acquisition, ending a period that had seemed at a standstill.
One of the Catholic Church’s Greatest Miracle Workers
The head of the Maronite Church continued: “It is important to remember that Saint Charbel, beatified in 1965 and canonized in 1977 by Pope Paul VI, is today regarded as one of the Catholic Church’s greatest wonder-working saints. We take this opportunity to highlight key points from Pope Paul VI’s historic address at Charbel’s beatification, delivered at the close of the Second Vatican Council. The Holy Father emphasized that the monk of Annaya, through his silence, answers the question on the minds of countless believers: what must the Church do to hasten the coming of the Kingdom? Charbel Makhlouf, a master of contemplation, reminds us of the vital importance of prayer, silence, hidden virtues and asceticism in a world dominated by noise, media frenzy, consumerism and the relentless pursuit of illusory comfort.”
Quoting Mother Teresa, he said, “The fruit of silence is prayer; the fruit of prayer is faith; the fruit of faith is love; and the fruit of love is service. This monastery is meant to become a gentle yet powerful flame, quietly warming the society around it. The Gospel does not shout; it whispers. It does not impose; it invites. May Saint Charbel’s Monastery in Villiers-sur-Marne forever flourish under the guidance of the Spirit, be a source of comfort for souls, a place of conversion for hearts and a corner of heaven on earth.”
A Center for the Maronite Diaspora
In a context often challenging for Christians in the Middle East — marked by political and economic crises and significant migration — the establishment of such centers outside Lebanon signals that the diaspora seeks not merely to survive, but to thrive and share its spiritual heritage.
Saint Charbel enjoys a profound reputation, not only among Maronites but also among other Christians, Lebanese and foreign alike, as well as non-Christians, for the numerous miracles attributed to his intercession. “He carries Lebanon with him wherever he goes and has the power to draw souls to him,” remarked a believer.
Served by Six Monks
The monastery is permanently staffed by six LMO monks, three of whom are pursuing their studies in France. It occupies a former cloister of the Sisters of Mary-Joseph and Mercy, a pontifical female religious congregation founded in 1971. Set within a beautifully landscaped 12,000-square-meter park, the monastery is fully wheelchair-accessible, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity, and offers ample parking.
The Maronite Church in France counts over 80,000 faithful and comprises 14 parishes. It was established as an eparchy (diocesan jurisdiction) in 2012 under the authority of the Holy See and is currently provisionally governed by Mgr. Peter Karam. Its principal church remains Notre-Dame du Liban, located in Paris’ Latin Quarter.
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