Fr. Mike Ford, OP, director of the Shrine of St. Jude, brought hope and healing to more than one thousand faithful women and men at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Simi Valley, California, during a three-day St. Jude Mission from November 4-6, 2024.  

The mission featured day-long veneration of the sacred and inspirational Arm Relic of St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of hope. Housed and cared for by the friars at the Dominican Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus in Chicago, this relic is purported to be the largest relic of an apostle regularly kept outside Europe. Known as the Apostle of Hope, among other titles, St. Jude has long served as a source of prayerful intercession to whom those in need turn. The relic's presence provided attendees with a profound spiritual encounter, inspiring renewed faith and trust in God.

"St. Jude is a beacon of hope for those who feel lost or overwhelmed," said Fr. Mike. "As Dominican friars, it is our privilege to carry his 2000-year-old relic to communities such as St. Rose of

Lima, sharing his message of faith and the assurance of God’s love. The Jubilee Year of Hope recently proclaimed by Pope Francis adds particular significance to our admiration of our patron, St. Jude. We are thrilled to share this joyful, hopeful message with as many people as possible."  

Fr. Mike extends his gratitude to the parishioners of St. Rose of Lima Parish for their hospitality and to all who participated in the mission. For more information about upcoming St. Jude missions or to schedule a mission at your parish, please visit www.the-shrine.org  or contact the Dominican Province of St. Albert the Great at www.opcentral.org.