As a reporter, there are many wonderful events and stories to cover, but then there are the extraordinary events. One such opportunity arrived May 2, 2024.
The tour of the relic of Saint Jude, the Apostle of the impossible began September 2023 and continued through May 2024, and the Olive Grove was invited to witness the relic at Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church in La Habra. The arm of Saint Jude Thaddeus, venerated in Rome from ancient times, was on pilgrimage in the United States, making stops in 100 cities.
One of the Church’s most beloved saints, Saint Jude is the one to who people turn when they are desperate and have tried everything else. When things seem lost or unbearable, when they seem hopeless, Saint Jude is the one to whom people often turn.
Thousands of the faithful made their way to La Habra to experience the opportunity of a lifetime. For the first and likely only time in history, the relic of St. Jude was allowed out of Rome. This is the first time the relic of St. Jude has left Rome in over 1,700 years according to the director of the Vatican Pilgrimage.
Carlos Martins, the director of Vatican Pilgrimage of the major relics said Saint Jude’s visit offers a unique opportunity for devotees and the curious alike to experience a connection with one of the most venerated figures in Christian history. “The visit provides an opportunity for individuals to experience intimacy with one who dwells in Heaven and beholds God face-to-face,” he said, “It allows devotees to receive his blessing and entrust him with their petitions.” Martins went on to say “When things seem lost or unbearable, when they seem hopeless, Saint Jude is the one to whom people often turn.”
Martins have been ministering with relics for almost 30 years, remarked, “God never disappoints but always ‘shows up’ at an exposition. There are healings at each one. Thousand have been reported. 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, Martins says the most spectacular is the healing of faith, where a new and deeper relationship with God and His saints form in the faithful.
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.
