by Moira Cullings
moira.cullings@theleaven.org
OVERLAND PARK — A saint’s relics can be a powerful reminder of the truth of the Catholic faith.
“When you see the arm bone of a saint, you are really confronted with the reality that these are just not stories in the Bible, but real flesh and blood people,” said Father Bill Bruning, pastor of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park.
Catholics in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas will have three opportunities to venerate the arm bone of St. Jude this November (see below).
Father Bruning hopes those who do will deepen their friendship with St. Jude and grow closer to Jesus.
“To think, the arm of St. Jude is the same arm that would have been embraced by Jesus himself!” he said.
Since Sept. 2023, the relics of St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of impossible causes, have been on pilgrimage across the United States.
When “The Apostle of the Impossible: Tour of the Relics of St. Jude the Apostle,” stops in the archdiocese, people will have the chance to venerate the relics and participate in a special Mass with Father Carlos Martins, CC, director of treasures of the church, as the main celebrant.
“Father Carlos is an amazing speaker and has shared with me the many miracles he has witnessed through the intercession of St. Jude,” said Father Bruning.
Those who venerate the relics will be able to receive an extraordinary plenary indulgence (see below).
Father Bruning said that only in the past few hundred years did people begin to ask St. Jude to intercede for their intentions, since he was vastly ignored before for carrying the same name as Judas Iscariot.
“The last two centuries, people were desperate to have their prayers heard,” said Father Bruning, “and after asking for the intercession of the other apostles, they asked St. Jude for help.
“Miraculously, many miracles began to happen through this neglected saint. Word spread of the powerful intercession of St. Jude, and today he is one of the most sought after friends of those going through real difficult struggles.”
Father Bruning believes the saint can continue to change the lives of people of faith.
“My hope is that the parishioners and visitors will receive healing — spiritually, emotionally and physically,” he said.
To learn more about the tour of St. Jude’s relics, visit the website at: apostleoftheimpossible.com.
Venerate St. Jude’s relics
Nov. 5
Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church
2014 N.W. 46th St., Topeka
• Public veneration of St. Jude’s relics begins at 2 p.m.
• A special Mass is celebrated in his honor at 7 p.m.
• Public veneration ends at 10 p.m.
Nov. 6
Queen of the Holy Rosary Church
7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park
• Public veneration of St. Jude’s relics begins at 2 p.m.
• A special Mass is celebrated in his honor at 7 p.m.
• Public veneration ends at 10 p.m.
Nov. 7
Holy Angels Church
15438 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor
• Public veneration of St. Jude’s relics begins at 2 p.m.
• A special Mass is celebrated in his honor at 6 p.m.
• Public veneration ends at 9 p.m.
Plenary indulgence
According to Father Bruning, a person may receive a plenary indulgence for the remission of all their sins by:
1. Venerating the relic of St. Jude
2. Praying for Pope Francis by reciting one Our Father and one Hail Mary for the pope’s intention
3. Receiving the sacrament of reconciliation within 20 days of venerating the relic
4. Receiving holy Communion within the same 20 days of venerating the relic
5. Making a firm resolve to end all relationships with all sins
