Arm of St. Jude relic expected to bring crowds, blessings at three parishes

A unique relic – the arm of St. Jude Thaddeus – will be available for veneration later in September at three parishes in the archdiocese.

The relic, which had previously never left Italy, is on tour in the United States and will be at St. John Vianney Church in Omaha on Sept. 28, St. Leo the Great Church in Omaha on Sept. 29 and St. Patrick Church in Fremont on Sept. 30.

The relic also will be on exposition at St. Michael Church in Lincoln on Sept. 27.

Veneration times will be from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at each church. The expositions are hosted by Spirit Catholic Radio Network, with crowds expected at each location.

St. Jude is an apostle, a relative of Jesus, a martyr and a patron saint of lost causes and desperate situations. Centuries ago his arm was removed from the rest of his remains at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and was placed in a reliquary carved in the shape of a priestly arm, imparting a blessing.

“God never disappoints but always ‘shows up’ at an exposition,” said Father Carlos Martins of the Companions of Cross, a curate of relics. Healings occur at each event, he said.

Pilgrims at the expositions can receive an extraordinary plenary indulgence issued by Pope Francis.