The Apostle of the Impossible to begin an extended tour of the U.S.
Since September 2023, Treasures of the Church, an evangelization ministry of the Catholic Church, has been hosting a pilgrimage of the arm of the Apostle, St. Jude Thaddeus. The “Apostle of the Impossible: The Tour of the Relics of St. Jude the Apostle,” a major event for U.S. Catholics, continues to December 2024.
Father Carlos Martins, a Custos Reliquiarum (ecclesiastically-appointed curate of relics) and director of Treasures of the Church, is leading the relics of one of Jesus Christ’s closest collaborators to cities nationwide. An immensely popular saint, it marks the first time the relic has left Italy.
As the son of Mary of Clopas (Cleophas), the sister of the Blessed Virgin Mary and one of the “three Marys” who stood by Jesus during His Crucifixion, Jude is the Lord’s first cousin.
Saint Jude’s visit offers an opportunity for devotees and the curious alike to experience a connection with one of the most venerated figures in Christian history.
“Regarded as the patron saint of lost causes and desperate situations,” Martins notes, “the visit provides an opportunity for individuals to experience intimacy with someone who dwells in Heaven and beholds God face-to-face. It allows devotees to receive his blessing and entrust him with their petitions.”
Saint Jude’s body was buried in the place of his martyrdom but was transferred to Rome during the time of Emperor Constantine. His tomb rests directly below the main altar of the left transept of St. Peter’s Basilica. Several centuries ago, his arm was removed and placed in a simple wooden reliquary carved in the shape of a priestly arm, imparting a blessing. They reside within the same today.
The tour includes stops in numerous Catholic dioceses spanning most of the country, including Illinois, Minnesota, Kansas, Michigan, New York, Texas, and Oregon, and California. Hosts of the body will include parishes, schools, and prisons.
Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville will be hosting the Relic of St. Jude on Friday, Nov. 15. Veneration will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Confessions will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with a special Mass at 7 p.m. Go to sspeterandpaul.net/jude for more information.
The tour schedule, continually being expanded, can be found at www.ApostleOfTheImpossible.com.
When asked why the tour is happening now, Martins responded, “This pilgrimage comes to a nation still reeling from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many still grieve a loved one claimed by the virus, numerous folks suffer the effects of long COVID and other pandemic-related medical conditions, long-term isolation has led to depression for many and deterioration in mental health, there is widespread distrust of public policy and media reporting, and many face economic hardship due to closed businesses and inflation. The Apostle’s visit is an effort by the Catholic Church to give comfort and hope to all who need it.”
Pilgrims will be able to receive an extraordinary Plenary Indulgence issued by Pope Francis and published by the Vatican’s Apostolic Penitentiary.
Martins, who has been ministering with relics for almost 30 years, remarks, “God never disappoints but always ‘shows up’ at an exposition. There are healings at each one. Thousand have been reported to me. Spectacular ones. Attendees have reported cancer, heart disease, tumors, osteoporosis, physical deformities, etc., disappear immediately and completely.”
Though a great number of miracles have been physical (his organization’s website, www.TreasuresOfTheChurch.com, lists a sample of these), he admits that the most spectacular is the healing of faith, where a new and deeper relationship with God and His saints form in the faithful.
“It is wonderful to see a parish, school, or prison renewed after an exposition. That is the basis for this ministry’s existence, and I cannot wait to see how Saint Jude will add to it.”
Standing-room-only crowds are expected at each location. Invitations from bishops desiring to host an exposition have poured into Martins’ office since word of the tour emerged from Rome.
Cardinal Angelo Comastri, Archpriest Emeritus of St. Peter’s Basilica, issued the following statement: “I am pleased to accompany with my prayers and blessing the pilgrimage of the relic of Saint Jude the Apostle in the United States of America. May Saint Jude Thaddeus welcome the prayers and invocations addressed to him and obtain abundant graces from God’s Divine Mercy as he always has over the centuries.”
Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Vicar General of His Holiness for the Diocese of Rome and the Church official who authorized the tour, said, “I have the pleasure to confirm this pilgrimage with a sense of distinct respect.”
Note: The Catholic tradition of venerating relics is not worship but a way to honor and draw near to the saints and to petition for their prayers since they are with God (Wisdom 3:1). The explanation of the Catholic practice of the veneration of relics, complete with references for its scriptural foundation, can be found at apostleoftheimpossible.com/about-relics/.