Recently, I visited the Dominican Shrine of St. Jude in Chicago. The shrine is within the Church of St. Pius V. It was a bittersweet experience since I went to spend time with my gravely ill aunt. But, even so, I felt warm consolation as I walked through the church’s doors.
Who was St. Jude?
St. Jude, also known as Thaddaeus, was the brother of St. James the Less and was a relative of Our Lord. Biblical scholars agree that his father was Cleopas and his mother was Mary of Cleopas, a relative of Our Lady. (“And there were standing by the cross of Jesus His mother and His mother’s sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen.”)
Many authorities believe that the Apostles Jude and Bartholomew brought Christianity to Armenia. Although there is debate about where Jude died, most Biblical scholars agree he was martyred either in Armenia or Beirut.
Why is St. Jude the patron of hopeless causes?
Our Lord instructed St. Bridget of Sweden to turn to St. Jude with great confidence. In a vision, Our Lord told St. Bridget, “In accordance with his surname, Thaddeus, the amiable or loving, he will show himself most willing to give help.”
No wonder, there were many votive candles surrounding St. Jude’s side chapel. As I knelt in prayer, my thoughts turned to the impossible or desperate cases that the candles represented. I added my prayers to the multitude of petitions. But, as I looked at all the candles, I thought of the dire circumstances they represented. So after a few moments, I asked this kindly Apostle to intercede for the most forlorn of conditions among the candles.
As I left the saint’s shrine, I turned and gave him one more loving glance. I also thanked him for the many favors that he has granted my family and me over the years.
Sadly, a few weeks later, my aunt’s Funeral Mass was held in this church under the compassionate gaze of this Apostle. Once again, she returned to St. Jude, a spiritual friend to whom she turned to for help in her lifetime. I pray that my aunt’s loving patron accompanied her to her heavenly home and led her to Almighty God.
