The Holy Relics of Saint Jude
Yesterday, we were blessed to be able to see the Holy Relics of Saint Jude, the patron Saint of Impossible causes. His arm bone fragments are currently on tour through the US, and it made a stop in our town. The event was well-run and inspirational. We highly recommend it if the tour comes to a town near you.
The main attraction is the reliquary holding his arm bones. The reliquary looks like it is giving a blessing. A fragment of his arm is enclosed.
Who was Saint Jude?
Saint Jude, also known as Jude Thaddeus, and even sometimes as Judas, is one of Jesus Christ’s original twelve apostles. He is called Jude or Thaddeus to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot (the betrayer). One poster in the exhibit even points out that the Gospel according to John (14:22) even calls him “Judas, not the Iscariot”.
He is believed to be a cousin of Jesus. Jude’s mother, Mary of Cleophas, is the sister-in-law of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary of Cleophas was present during the Crucifixion along with Mary Magdalene.
Often depicted holding an image of Jesus in one hand and a club (a symbol of his martyrdom) or an axe in the other. He was killed in modern-day Syria while evangelizing there. The club is the instrument of his death and the axe because he was beheaded.
He is the patron saint of impossible causes because it was said that he was the last saint that would be invoked (after imploring all other saints), as the people were afraid to pray to Judas for fear that the betrayer would hear their prayers.
He wrote the Letter of Jude in the New Testament.
Venerating the Holy Relics
The Holy Relics of Saint Jude on tour include fragments of his arm bone set in a reliquary depicting his arm. This relic is on pilgrimage to the United States from its home location, the San Salvatore in Lauro in Rome. (St Peter’s Basilica holds the rest of his relics.)
The reliquary is an arm and hand, raised like it giving a blessing. The wax seals, with the symbol of the Vatican, were placed by a Cardinal the last time it was opened to ensure authenticity.
The relic is enclosed in a glass case in front of the altar, allowing pilgrims to file by in single file, venerate, and touch objects to create third-class relics.
How did Saint Jude become popular?
Saint Jude is one of the more popular Catholic Saints due to the many successful intercessions. He is also well known in popular culture in the U.S. because of the association of the actor Danny Thomas, who was grateful for his success in show business. He demonstrated his gratitude by building the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
St. Jude the Apostle, pray for us!