The first-class relic, a bone from the beloved saint’s arm, is leaving Italy for the first time. Healings have been reported by those who venerate it.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange will be hosting a relic of St. Jude the Apostle, cousin of Jesus, from April 29 through May 2 at four Orange County parishes.

The relic is a piece of bone from St. Jude’s arm that was separated from his remains centuries ago. The bone is inside a wooden reliquary carved in the shape of an upright arm that gives the gesture of imparting a blessing. It is the first time the relic has left Italy. Many blessings have been reported by those who have venerated it, including healings and people returning to the Catholic Church. Veneration is a time of honoring a saint’s legacy and seeking prayers before God.

Admission is free and open to people of all faiths.

Four Orange County parishes will be hosting the relic during the following veneration hours, as well as celebrating a special Mass to St. Jude at 7 p.m.:

• April 29, Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church, Lake Forest – 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• April 30, Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove – 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• May 1, Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church, Huntington Beach – 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• May 2, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, La Habra – 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“When I first envisioned having the relic of St. Jude visit us here in Orange County, it was to strengthen the bonds of unity with our Orthodox brothers and sisters,” said Fr. Al Baca, director of the Diocese’s Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion, which is sponsoring the event. “Like us, they venerate the saints and they believe that relics are a tangible channel of God’s grace and healing. In time, though, it became clear that this would be a blessing for all of us. It is an honor for the Catholic Church of Orange County to welcome St. Jude and to hear his message of hope and faith in Jesus Christ.”

Reporters, videographers and photographers interested in covering the relic of St. Jude are invited to visit the Christ Cathedral campus during a special media preview from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on April 30. Interviews with priests will be available. Media visits to the three other parishes can also be arranged upon special request.

The Holy See considers the relic of St. Jude — known as the “Apostle of the Impossible” — a first-class relic, which is the highest designation and generally a piece of the body of a saint, like bone or hair. After St. Jude’s martyrdom in Beirut around 65 AD, his remains were reportedly interred in a crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica around 333 AD.

St. Jude was the son of Mary of Clopas (Cleophas), the sister of the Blessed Virgin Mary and one of the “three Marys” who stood by Jesus during his crucifixion. Jude is Jesus’ first cousin and has long been one of the most venerated figures in Christianity. He is a saint people turn to when desperate, having tried everything else, feeling lost or hopeless.

The relic of St. Jude, normally based at a Roman parish near Vatican City, is making its way through Orange County as part of a national tour through more than 100 cities. The tour is organized by Fr. Carlos Martins, a custos reliquiarum (an ecclesiastically appointed curate of relics), member of the Companions of the Cross and director of Treasures of the Church (a Michigan-based exposition company and Catholic Church ministry of evangelization).

“This pilgrimage comes to a nation still reeling from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Fr. Carlos said in a statement. “Many still grieve a loved one claimed by the virus, numerous folks suffer the effects of long COVID and other pandemic-related medical conditions. Long-term isolation has led to depression for many and deterioration in mental health … the Apostle’s visit is an effort by the Catholic Church to give comfort and hope to all who need it.”

Information about the St. Jude relic pilgrimage tour in Orange County is available at RCBO.org/st-jude and more information on the relic’s nationwide tour is at Apostleoftheimpossible.com

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About the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange

With 1.3 million Catholics, 58 parishes, 36 schools and five Catholic centers, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is one of the largest and most diverse faith communities in the United States. The Diocese empowers Catholics across Orange County to have an active life of faith that is integrated and woven into the fabric of their daily lives through the community and sacramental life of the Church. Under the leadership of Bishop Kevin Vann, the Diocese works to establish and support dynamic, vibrant parishes and schools welcoming all to live the Gospel with faith, joy, charity and unity. Christ Cathedral, the spiritual home of the Bishop of Orange, was dedicated in July 2019. Learn more about the Diocese of Orange at www.rcbo.org.