Lebanese Community in Portugal Welcomes Relics of Saint Charbel and Launches “Saint Charbel – With Us” Association to Strengthen Spiritual and Community Life

The Lebanese community in Portugal welcomed the relics of Saint Charbel during a Mass in Lisbon attended by Lebanese expatriates and Portuguese citizens. The ceremony brought together senior Portuguese Catholic and Lebanese Maronite clergy. Lisbon’s Patriarch Rui Valério highlighted the historical and spiritual significance of the event, noting that it “deepens the bonds between East and West” and fosters peace, while praising the resilience of the Lebanese people.

The occasion also marked the launch of the “Saint Charbel – With Us” association, which aims to support spiritual, cultural, and community life. Attendees described the event as a milestone that strengthened both their sense of identity and their faith, reinforcing the enduring connection between the Lebanese diaspora and their heritage.