MADISON — The largest relic of an apostle outside of Rome is coming to Madison for the first time. The Dominican Shrine to St. Jude Thaddeus holds a preserved collection of bone fragments from the apostle’s right forearm, the largest such relic outside of Rome.
From time to time, the Dominican Central Province has displayed the relic during a nine-day Novena to St. Jude and allowed visitors to venerate it. From Wednesday, July 18, through Friday, July 26, a novena will occur at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 2116 Hollister Ave. in Madison.
During a novena, people of faith around the world gather to ask God through St. Jude’s intercession to answer their prayers. The Dominican Shrine receives prayer requests in writing and online (at www.shrineofsaintjude.com). Followers of the Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes can ask for such requests as healing from cancer, reconciliation with family members, and world peace.