About St Jude And His Amazing Arm Relic
Saint Jude Thaddeus stands as one of the Church’s most cherished saints, revered by many for his boundless compassion and intercessory power. Widely recognized as the Saint of the Impossible, he is the beacon of hope for those facing seemingly insurmountable challenges and desperate situations.
A cousin of Jesus Christ, Saint Jude was among the twelve apostles who walked the earth during Christ’s ministry, and there after sharing in the profound experiences of faith and revelation. His unwavering dedication and the miracles attributed to his intercession have fostered a deep devotion, making him a steadfast patron for those in need of guidance and unexpected grace.
After St. Jude's martyrdom, his devoted followers laid him to rest in Mesopotamia, an area we now know as Iraq. His sacred body was later moved to its current resting place in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, alongside St Simon another revered Apostle for whom he was martyred with. Generations ago, the faithful honored him by encasing a small relic from his forearm in a silver reliquary. This relic is the twin to the relic kept in the Vatican, both of which was cherished for many years in Armenia, Turkey, and Turin, Italy.
In a remarkable act of faith, the Dominicans in Turin, In 1949, presented the Dominican Shrine of St Jude Thaddeus in Chicago, IL this treasured relic, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Shrine’s dedication. This remarkable historic relic is considered the the largest relic of an Apostle held outside of Europe is permanently displayed by the Friars of the Province of St. Albert the Great in the Dominican Shrine of St Jude Thaddeus.
To quote Father Mike: "Think about this, the very bone inside this reliquary once hugged Jesus, it was at the last supper, it was at in the very room to bare witness the ascension of Jesus Christ and it was blessed upon and filled with the Holy Spirit."
St Jude Comes To Philly
The Society of St. Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia joyfully invited and welcomed the esteemed Father Michail Ford O.P. and the cherished Arm Relic of St. Jude for an enriching three-day event from February 12 to 14, 2024. This momentous occasion drew together members of the community, offering them a unique opportunity to engage in prayers, reflections, and spiritual enrichment centered around the profound legacy of St. Jude, known as the patron saint of lost causes. The gathering featured inspiring talks, heartfelt moments of devotion, and the solemn veneration of the relic, creating an atmosphere of reverence and unity among all who attended.
St Jude Three-Day Mission
Regrettably, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the Society of St. Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia, the Society was unable to facilitate the visit of Father Mike, St Jude and the Three-Day Relic Mission, at St. Donato Church. Fortunately, in an admirable display of support, Father Matthew Phelan, the Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, graciously volunteered to host the mission at
This significant event attracted a considerable number of attendees and fostered a strong sense of community engagement. Notably, on the first day of the mission, a cameraman from Channel 6 ABC Action News was present to document the occasion, capturing the enthusiasm and devotion exhibited by participants. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for spiritual reflection and connection among the attendees, reinforcing the communal commitment to faith.
St Frances Cabrini Catholic School IMS
Welcomes St Jude
On the crisp snowy morning of Tuesday, February 13, 2024, St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School warmly welcomed the esteemed Father Mike alongside the revered relic of St. Jude. With an engaging presence, Father Mike captivated the students as he shared insightful lessons on the significance of relics, unraveling their profound spiritual meaning and historical context. After his enlightening talk, he graciously invited both students and staff to approach and venerate the sacred relic of St. Jude, creating a heartfelt moment of reverence and connection within the school community.
