There Is Still Time to See the Relics of St. Jude the Apostle
Have you ever been in a situation that has left you feeling sad and helpless?
We have all felt it a time or two, and fortunately, God has given us someone to look toward and talk to in these dire situations: St. Jude.
St. Jude, also known as Judas Thaddaeus, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus and is a figure enveloped in faith, courage, and unwavering devotion. His life, woven into the tapestry of early Christian history, stands as a testament to his commitment to spreading the teachings of Jesus, even in the face of adversity. Imagine living in a time when proclaiming your faith could cost you everything, even your life. St. Jude navigated this perilous landscape with a heart full of faith, traveling far and wide to bring the light of Christ to those engulfed in darkness.
What sets St. Jude apart is his unwavering faith and dedication to his mission and the legacy of hope he has left behind for us. Over the centuries, stories of his intercessions for the hopeless and the despairing have woven a tapestry of faith that stretches across the globe. These stories remind us that when our backs are against the wall, and every door seems to be slamming shut, there is someone we can turn to, someone who understands the essence of our struggles.
Now for the big news: Relics of St. Jude the Apostle are currently making their way around the U.S.A.!
Historical accounts trace St. Jude's martyrdom and initial burial to Beirut. His relics were later relocated to Rome, resting in the crypt of the then-newly completed Saint Peter's Basilica by Emperor Constantine in 333 AD. Presently, St. Jude's remains are enshrined in the left transept of the modern Basilica, finished in 1626, beneath Saint Joseph's main altar. Here, he shares a tomb with the Apostle Simon, creating a sacred site for devotees of the "Patron Saint of Lost Causes" who journey from afar to pay homage.
Part of St. Jude's legacy, his arm, has embarked on a pilgrimage across North America, housed in a uniquely crafted wooden reliquary resembling an arm raised in benediction. This relic, detached from St. Jude's main body centuries ago, offers a tangible connection to the saint. The last documented inspection of this reliquary occurred under Cardinal Francesco Marchetti Selvaggiani, who oversaw its care as Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Rome between 1931 and 1951, securing its historical and spiritual authenticity with his seals.
While the tour has been going since the summer of 2023, it still has many stops before it ends in May.
Please visit the Apostle of the Impossible's website to view a complete list of tour stops, which are frequently updated.