A Shepherd of Souls
Humble Beginnings and Formative Years
Born in 1947 in the fertile lands of Minnesota, Abbot Sharbel grew up surrounded by the values of hard work and simplicity, cultivated in a family of six children. His upbringing was deeply influenced by the rhythms of rural life, where faith and community were intertwined. In 1963, his family relocated to Tucson, Arizona, in search of a healthier climate for his mother. Here, Abbot Sharbel pursued higher education, earning an Associate Arts degree from Eastern Arizona College and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education from the University of Arizona in 1970.
A Calling Answered
In 1980, Abbot Sharbel responded to a profound spiritual calling, entering the monastery of St. Charles Priory (later renamed Prince of Peace Abbey). His journey into monastic life was marked by deep commitment, as he professed his temporary vows in 1981 and his solemn vows three years later. Recognizing his devotion and potential, the monastery sent him to Rome to study for the priesthood at the Pontifical Beda College. Ordained a priest on July 2, 1988, Abbot Sharbel’s vocation blossomed, eventually leading to his appointment as Prior in 2000.
Leadership and Legacy
On August 20, 2013, Abbot Sharbel was elected to lead his monastic community as Abbot. His Abbatial Blessing on October 10, 2013, marked the beginning of a new chapter of stewardship and spiritual guidance. A man of deep intellect and spirituality, Abbot Sharbel finds solace in researching his own family ancestry and history, particularly the 1920s and 1930s, and in the writings of the early Desert Fathers.
