The Church of San Salvatore in Lauro in Rome is home to some extraordinary relics—from St. Padre Pio's coat and glove to a bone fragment of Jesus' cousin, St. Jude Thaddeus.
FR. PIETRO BONGIOVANNI
Pastor
Since the 1800's, there have been important relics of St. Jude Thaddeus in this Church that came from a Church next door that was later converted into a theater. While removing all the furniture of the Church, a fragment of St. Jude Thaddeus' arm was discovered.
At this Church, there is a strong devotion to St. Jude. Some parishioners partake in a weekly prayer group asking for the saint's intercession.
On the saint's feast day, San Salvatore celebrates a Mass and venerates St. Jude's relics before carrying his statue to St. Peter's Basilica.
FR. PIETRO BONGIOVANNI
Pastor
It's a jubilee pilgrimage, a time of celebration with many people coming from all parts of Rome to praise and bless the Lord and be close to this great and holy apostle.
The love for this saintly apostle reaches far beyond Rome. In Mexico, there is a strong devotion, especially among young people.
ALBERTO BARRANCO
Mexican Ambassador to the Holy See
For Mexico, St. Jude Thaddeus is very important. The young people in particular follow him.
People come in droves, one after another with as much devotion as is given to the Virgin of Guadalupe. People feel that he is their patron saint, especially since he is close to the poor. He is the saint who watches over everything, even for difficult causes.
Ambassador Barranco explains how some young people have even gotten tattoos of the saint to show their devotion. But he describes the procession as a way of joining Mexico's love for the saint to those devoted in the Eternal City.
ALBERTO BARRANCO
Mexican Ambassador to the Holy See
For us, the procession is very important because it shows the presence of Mexico. We are proud that Mexico is present in this setting where the saint unites us. Finally, there are many things that unite us, but especially two: The Virgin of Guadalupe and St. Jude Thaddeus.
The procession moves throughout the city of Rome before ending in St. Peter's Basilica. Crowds of people pray for St. Jude Thaddeus' intercession for their individual and collective needs. For many, the procession is a sign of unity and fraternity for people around the world.
KG
