Relic Of St. Jude To Visit Santa Clarita Church

An ancient relic — a bone fragment officials say is from the arm of St. Jude the Apostle — is scheduled to visit a Santa Clarita Catholic church next week.

Part of the Tour of the Relics of Saint Jude the Apostle , which started last September, the relic is making stops in 100 cities during its pilgrimage, including Santa Clarita’s own Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church.

“It’s a real privilege to have the relic with us; normally, you’d have to go to Rome,” said Father Vaughn Winters of St. Kateri’s. “This is an opportunity to celebrate something special.”

Father Winters noted that the honor of having a first-class relic (the actual remains of a saint), especially that of Saint Jude, is incredibly special due to the man’s significance as one of the Twelve Apostles.

In Catholicism, Saint Jude Thaddeus (as he is sometimes referred to distinguish him from the other Judas of the Twelve) is also the patron saint of hopeless causes and namesake of countless hospitals, including the acclaimed St. Jude Children’s Research Center.

He is also believed to be the cousin of Jesus, as Saint Jude’s mother, Mary of Cleophas, was the sister of Mary, mother of Jesus, according to scripture.

Saint Jude’s arm was separated from the rest of his body several centuries ago and subsequently placed inside a carved wooden container shaped like a human hand bestowing a blessing, according to a website dedicated to the Saint .

In the Catholic faith, venerating relics is seen as a way to honor and come closer to the saints who have worked on behalf of God and their faith by reflecting on God’s impact on their lives and work. Relics alone are not worshipped as idols but as a means through which He may act, according to event officials.

The rest of Saint Jude’s remains are interred in Rome beneath St. Peter’s Basilica alongside his brother and fellow Apostle, Simon the Zealot.

Cardinal Angelo Comastri, Archpriest Emeritus of St. Peter’s Basilica, issued the following statement regarding the tour:

“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.”

Saint Jude’s relic is set to appear at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church on Monday, May 6.  Standing-room-only crowds are expected.

Public veneration is scheduled between 2 and 10 p.m., with a special Mass celebrated in Saint Jude’s honor at 7 p.m., according to the tour itinerary.

“Everyone is welcome to stay,” Father Winters said.

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