A new Lebanese film, "Nohad Al Chami: A Sign of Faith," tells the true story of Nohad Al Chami's miraculous healing through the intercession of St. Charbel. The film, directed by Samir Habchi, is currently showing in Lebanese cinemas and will soon be available in Canada and online. The movie stars Julia Kassar and Maya Yammine, and has been praised for its understated style and contemplative pace. The film focuses on St. Charbel Makhlouf, a highly revered saint known for his life of prayer and reported miracles. The film offers a story of hope that has resonated with audiences in Lebanon and beyond.
23 days ago
A new Lebanese film, Nohad Al Chami: A Sign of Faith, recounts the true story of Nohad Al Chami, who experienced a stroke in the 1990s and subsequently a miraculous healing 1. The film explores her healing through the intercession of St. Charbel 1. Directed by Samir Habchi, the 90-minute biographical drama offers a spiritual journey 1.
The film depicts Nohad Al Chami's life, played by Julia Kassar and Maya Yammine, and her transformative experience 1. St. Charbel Makhlouf, a Maronite Catholic saint known for his devotion and reported miracles, is central to the narrative 1. Born in 1828, Charbel lived as a hermit and is believed to have interceded in countless healings after his death in 1898 1. He was canonized in 1977 by Pope Paul VI 1.
Critics have lauded the film for its understated style and contemplative approach 1. Bélinda Ibrahim's review in This is Beirut notes the film's focus on storytelling rather than persuasion 1. Currently showing in Lebanese cinemas, the film is slated for release in select Canadian theaters and online streaming platforms 1. International viewers are encouraged to watch for updates regarding release plans in their regions 1.
St. Charbel continues to attract pilgrims to his tomb and is considered a source of renewal 1. The film highlights the power of faith in the face of suffering 1. It presents a modern account of healing rooted in Lebanese devotion, inviting viewers to witness a story of hope and transformation 1.
The Catholic Church understands miracles as tangible signs of God's intervention in the world, demonstrating His power and love. These events are not merely natural phenomena but are extraordinary occurrences that defy the laws of nature and point to a divine cause. Miracles serve as confirmations of God's revelation and attest to the sanctity of individuals through whose intercession they occur.
Saints, recognized by the Church for their heroic virtue and holiness of life, play a crucial role in the lives of the faithful through their intercession. The Church teaches that saints in heaven continuously intercede for those on earth, offering prayers and assistance to those in need. This intercession is not seen as a replacement for direct prayer to God but as a complementary means of seeking divine aid. The film Nohad Al Chami: A Sign of Faith exemplifies this belief, portraying Nohad Al Chami's healing through the intercession of St. Charbel, a Maronite Catholic saint renowned for his devotion and reported miracles.
The process of canonization, by which the Church officially recognizes a person as a saint, involves a rigorous investigation into the candidate's life, virtues, and any miracles attributed to their intercession. Miracles play a vital role in this process, particularly in confirming that the potential saint is indeed in heaven and able to intercede on behalf of others. The Church requires verifiable miracles, often involving inexplicable healings, to ensure that divine intervention is evident. St. Charbel's canonization in 1977 by Pope Paul VI followed this process, acknowledging the numerous healings attributed to his intercession after his death.
The Church's affirmation of miracles and the intercession of saints provides a framework for understanding events like the healing of Nohad Al Chami through St. Charbel's intercession. Such occurrences are seen as signs of God's grace and confirmations of the Church's teachings on holiness and divine intervention. The film serves as a modern-day testament to these beliefs, inviting viewers to contemplate the power of faith and the possibility of miraculous healing through the intercession of saints.