We have a very unique and special event coming to Saint Helen next Saturday, December 9, 2023. The relic of the arm of Saint Jude, venerated in Rome, is on pilgrimage in the United States.
This is the first time the relic has left Rome. We will have a Mass to honor Saint Jude at 1:00 PM. Then the relic will be in our Church for veneration from 2:00 until 4:30 PM and then, again, after the 5:00 PM Mass from 6:00-10:00 PM.
Saint Jude the Apostle, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, is the Patron Saint of hopeless and impossible causes. He is known for having preached the Gospel with great passion, often in the most difficult circumstances, like the other apostles. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, he made significant differences in people’s lives as he offered them the Word of God.
We pray to Saint Jude for his intercession asking for hope and strength during difficult times in our lives and the lives of others. Saint Jude sought to love the Lord through challenging times, so we strive to imitate the same unwavering faith.
Some of you may know of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis Tennessee. The hospital was named for Saint Jude in 1962 by Danny Thomas, the entertainer, with a dream that “no child should die in the dawn of life.”
Saint Jude is often shown carrying an image of Jesus. Tradition tells us that this recalls a miracle when a king, afflicted with leprosy, was cured of this disease after Saint Jude gave him a cloth that had been pressed to the face of Jesus.
Many people in desperate need have turned to Saint Jude in prayer. He is a trusted heavenly intercessor for all those seeking God’s assistance during times of family crises, sickness, and trouble, especially when all hope seems lost.
We anticipate that there will be long lines to venerate the relic. I hope you can be a part of this special event.
God Bless You,
Msgr. Tom
