This story has been updated to reflect that due to unforeseen circumstances, the visitation of the relic of Saint Jude scheduled to take place at Saint Paul in Valparaiso on Monday, November 25, has been canceled.
Last updated at 4:22 p.m. on November, 23, 2024.
“He appointed twelve whom he also named apostles that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons”
– Mark 3:14-15
VALPARAISO – The arm of St. Jude the Apostle is visiting the United States and will be coming on Nov. 25 to St. Paul.
Veneration of the relic will take place at the church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd., from 2-10 p.m., with a Mass in honor of St. Jude at 7 p.m.
Known as the Apostle of the Impossible, St. Jude is revered for his unwavering dedication and steadfast faith. According to Treasures of the Church, the ministry of the Catholic Church organizing the relic tour, the U.S. ranks among the nations with the most concentrated devotion to St. Jude. This is partly because people within the country are transplanted from the different nations across the globe, the vast majority of which have a great devotion to the saint.
The most reliable ancient records identify the place of St. Jude’s martyrdom and burial to be the city of Beirut. Sometime later, his body was transferred to Rome and placed in a crypt within the original St. Peter’s Basilica, completed by the Emperor Constantine (in 333 A.D.). Today, his remains are in the left transept of the current Basilica, below the main altar of St. Joseph, within a tomb also holding the remains of the Apostle Simon.
The arm of the saint, which is making its way across North America as part of this tour, was separated from the greater portion of his remains several centuries ago and placed in a simple wooden reliquary carved in the shape of an upright arm in the gesture of imparting a blessing.
“How wonderful to know that Christians and Catholics still proclaim their faith in Jesus in Lebanon today,” noted Father Douglas Mayer.
The pastor of St. Paul Catholic Church shared that it’s important to remember that Catholics lift all prayers to God the Father and the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. However, he explained that the faithful can call upon a particular saint like St. Jude to join in capacity as a fellow intercessor, a prayer partner, a member of the communion of saints.
“Knowing that Jesus entrusted the message of the Gospel to St. Jude, we can be confident that he will join us as we bring our prayers to Almighty God,” said Father Mayer. “Many people have received great spiritual consolation by asking St. Jude to join them in prayer. God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ have chosen to grant others miraculous healings through the intercession of St. Jude. This strengthens my faith in the goodness of God, and the gift of having saintly prayer warriors.”
The Office of Missionary Discipleship and Evangelization is assisting with details for the relic visit. Sean Martin, diocesan coordinator of catechesis and faith formation, explained that the Diocese of Gary was contacted by Father Carlos Martins, director of Treasures of the Church, to see if there was an interest in the relic coming to the diocese, and St. Paul was chosen as the location due to its available space.
“Most likely, the relic of St. Jude’s right arm will not visit the Diocese of Gary again,” said Martin. “The relic has been displayed in Rome for over a year. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The relic will be on display at various locations in the state of Illinois prior to arriving at St. Paul in Valparaiso, and will then travel to Fort Wayne. For the complete tour schedule, visit apostleoftheimpossible.com/tour-schedule.