Thursday 4 September 2014

Thoughts from our Chaplain - First views of our Shrine

Last month, Fr Michael joined the Shrine team as our Chaplain. Here he talks about his first month:

“One of the greatest joys of Faversham is to welcome pilgrims who have come here to express their devotion to Saint Jude, asking him to intercede for them and their needs. In the month that I have been Chaplain of the Shrine, I have seen many groups, families and individuals who have travelled here to spend a large part of their day with Saint Jude.  For most of them it is not their first visit, but for some it has been their first time.

These ‘first-timers’ all speak about the sense of prayer that they experience as they enter the grounds. These pilgrims are instantly part of a multitude of people who have been pilgrims here over the years.  Each pilgrim leaves some trace of their visit, not just in petitions or entries in the visitors book, but also in the fabric of the Shrine.

Pilgrims are part of something greater than their party, whatever size it may be. Arriving at the National Shrine of Saint Jude is a part of a journey which started long before their decision to visit here, and will continue for many years after they have left. 

Their journey becomes part of our journey, and our journey in turn becomes a part of theirs, and in all of this stands Jesus; for as he says in the Gospel for this coming Sunday: ‘where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them.’ (Matt 18.20)

Fr Michael Manning O. Carm., Chaplain


Tuesday 2 September 2014

Pilgrims always welcome

Last week, Fr Michael (our chaplain) welcomed a group of pilgrims to the National Shrine of Saint Jude. Our photo below shows the pilgrims enjoying table fellowship whilst here. 



Pilgrims to the National Shrine of Saint Jude are always welcome to visit. Please contact the Shrine office if you would like to bring a group.

Monday 1 September 2014

Photo of the month - September 2014

The Kossowski ceramic depicting the martyrdom of Saint Jude

Within the outer shrine there are the three ceramic plaques in the Outer Shrine area including one of the martyrdom of St. Jude. St. Jude is traditionally depicted with a club in his hand. This stems from the tradition that he was clubbed to death for his fidelity to Christ. The ceramic depicts this moment of human brutality - perhaps this is a moment for prayer for those in the modern world who suffer the same fate for their beliefs? 

Why not say the the following prayer to Saint Jude?

Glorious apostle, martyr and relative of Jesus, Saint Jude Thaddeus, who spread the Good News among distant nations; who won to the obedience of Jesus Christ many peoples by the power of his Holy Word; grant, I beseech you, from this day, that I may renounce every sinful habit, that I may be preserved from all evil thoughts, that I may love my neighbour as myself, that I may always obtain your assistance, particularly in every danger and difficulty, and that I may safely reach the heavenly country, with you, to adore the most Holy Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.