It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nohad El Shami. While some of you may not know her, Nohad is one of the most well-known recipients of Saint Charbel’s intercession. Her life and miraculous healing are a testament to the power of faith and prayer.
In 1993, Nohad suffered from a severe and incurable illness that left her paralyzed on one side. After fervently praying to Saint Charbel, she had a dream on the night of January 22nd where Saint Charbel appeared to her and performed a “surgery.” When she woke up, she was completely healed, with two wounds on her neck as physical evidence of this divine intervention. This miracle became the foundation of her extraordinary relationship with Saint Charbel.
From that day forward, Nohad experienced mystical communications with Saint Charbel every 22nd of the month for 27 years. She described these encounters as moments of prayer, guidance, and blessings. It was as though she had developed a friendship with the saint who had transformed her life.
One particularly beautiful aspect of her story is the oak tree in her garden, which she planted at Saint Charbel’s request. This tree became a source of blessings for many. On January 22, 2020, during one of her visions, Saint Charbel appeared holding an incense burner and blessed the oak tree. He instructed Nohad to preserve its leaves carefully, explaining that they carried healing power. He told her to boil three leaves—a number symbolizing the Holy Trinity—and give the water to those in need, saying:
"Whoever drinks this water with faith and confidence will find healing."
Many people, including a neighbor named Nawal, experienced profound healings through this simple act of faith. Nawal, who suffered from severe asthma and constant fatigue, drank the water prepared from the oak leaves and felt immediate relief, regaining her health after years of suffering.
We, too, have been blessed by Nohad’s generosity and faith. She shared some of the oak leaves with us, and we placed them in contact with the oil of Saint Charbel, hoping to pass on these blessings to everyone in our community.
Nohad’s passing is a great loss, but we take comfort in knowing that we now have a sister in heaven. Just as Saint Charbel interceded for her, we trust that she will now intercede for us. Her incredible story reminds us of the power of faith, the importance of prayer, and the miracles that God continues to work in our lives.
Let us pray for Nohad’s soul, that she may rest in eternal peace in the house of the Father. And let us honor her memory by deepening our own faith and trust in God’s love.