Early Life and Devotion
Nohad was born and raised in Lebanon. From an early age, she was a devout Maronite Catholic, attending church regularly and praying fervently. Her faith was an integral part of her life, providing her with strength and guidance through various trials and tribulations.
The Illness
As she advanced in age, Nohad began experiencing severe health issues. In the early 1990s, she was diagnosed with hemiplegia, a condition that caused paralysis on one side of her body. This ailment significantly affected her quality of life, rendering her unable to perform even basic tasks without assistance. Despite her deteriorating health, Nohad’s faith never wavered. She continued to pray, placing her trust in God and the intercession of saints.
The Night of the Miracle
On the night of January 22, 1993, Nohad experienced a phenomenon that would change her life forever. She had a vivid dream in which she saw two monks standing by her bed. One of them was St. Sharbel, a 19th-century Maronite monk known for his piety and numerous miracles. The other monk was unidentified. In the dream, St. Sharbel asked her to lie down and proceeded to perform a surgical operation on her neck. When she woke up, Nohad was astonished to find two wounds on her neck, exactly where she had seen the saint performing the surgery in her dream.
Even more remarkably, Nohad realized that she could move her paralyzed limbs. The paralysis that had plagued her for so long had vanished. Overwhelmed with gratitude and amazement, she shared her experience with her family and local priest, who confirmed the authenticity of the wounds and her miraculous recovery.
In following dreams, St. Sharbel appeared again, giving her multiple messages. One of the most powerful and endearing of which was St. Sharbel explaining why he healed Nohad:
“I cut you by the Power of God so they could see you, because some people have strayed away from praying, from attending church and from respecting the saints, and you cannot do anything to people! But whoever needs anything from me, I, Father Sharbel, am always present in the hermitage. I ask you to visit the hermitage on the 22nd of each month and attend the Divine Liturgy, as long as you live.“
Validation and Spread of the Miracle
News of Nohad’s healing spread quickly throughout Lebanon and beyond. The local Maronite community was particularly moved by the miracle, seeing it as a sign of divine intervention through St. Sharbel’s intercession. Medical examinations of Nohad’s condition further validated the miraculous nature of her recovery. Doctors were unable to provide a scientific explanation for the sudden and complete healing of her paralysis.
The incident garnered significant attention from the media and religious communities, leading to an influx of pilgrims to the St. Sharbel Monastery in Annaya, where the saint’s tomb is located. People from various parts of the world came to witness the miracle, seek blessings, and pray for their own needs and intentions.
Impact on Nohad’s Life
The miraculous healing had a profound impact on El Shami’s life. She dedicated her life to sharing her story and spreading the message of faith and hope. Her home became a place of pilgrimage, where she welcomed visitors who sought to hear her testimony and receive her prayers. Nohad emphasized the importance of faith, prayer, and trust in God, encouraging others to turn to St. Sharbel in times of need.
Broader Impact
The miracle of Nohad El Shami had a ripple effect on the broader community. It revitalized interest in St. Sharbel and the Maronite Church, drawing attention to the rich spiritual heritage of Lebanon. Pilgrimages to the St. Sharbel Monastery increased significantly, with believers seeking solace, healing, and spiritual renewal.
The story also fostered a sense of unity and hope among Lebanese Christians, who saw the miracle as a sign of divine favor and protection. It served as a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual connection amidst life’s challenges.
On the 22nd of each month, Maronites all across the world celebrate St. Sharbel and ask for his intercession.
The legacy of Nohad El Shami’s healing extends beyond her personal story, highlighting the profound impact that a single miraculous event can have on individuals, communities, and the broader spiritual landscape. It is a reminder that in the face of suffering and adversity, faith can provide solace, strength, and, sometimes, miraculous healing.