St. Jude: A Ray of Hope for 54 Years

Remembered every October 28 and known as the patron of hopeless cases, St. Jude Thaddeus is a famous saint among Catholics, especially those troubled by serious challenges in life. St. Jude, the cousin of Jesus, serves as a light for those shrouded with darkness and those who cannot anymore see a way out of their misery.

Here in Davao, a local shrine that patronizes the Saint has just celebrated its 54th Parochial Fiesta. Riding a Ferris wheel of ups and downs to get where they are now and enduring all the challenges of a parish. St. Jude Shrine Parish came a long way in promoting the faith through the aid of their patron.

In the parish, it is common to hear inspiring stories from devotees who sought help from St. Jude in asking for petitions. Passing board exams, petitions for employment, and even asking for a wife or a husband are the lines that give color to the life of the Parish and the fuel that kept the faith ablaze for 54 years and counting.

A retrospective glance

Two years back, the faith of the people was put in a haze of opaque as the pandemic struck and plagued the globe. It was quick to spread, hence putting parishes on the spot, making lightning-fast changes trying to hurdle through the test of preaching the word of God in new modes and settings.

St. Jude Shrine Parish was not spared from the trials of the pandemic. The parish was put on an arduous journey continuing to renovate its sanctuary during the pandemic. As faith was put behind the curtain of healthcare problems in the country, public attendance was banned for a while, thus, creating a scarcity of resources in the renovation process. However, as believers of the phrase “nothing is impossible” and as devotees of St. Jude, the show went on, and last April 21, 2022, along with the closing of the Jubilee doors of the Shrine-Parish, was also the blessing of the sanctuary.

Today’s success and tomorrow’s outlook

This year’s fiesta was extra special as it was not like any other, it was a revival of the people’s faith. Thus, renewing the faith of the people after being kept in a box. The activities that were celebrated way back in the old normal were brought back to life in this year’s fiesta, the signifier that faith does not die with bumps along the road or with the tempests of time; but with a hopeful outlook, and a patron who is the mediator of hope, the fiesta was made even more memorable.

The Parish Recognized Center Organizations (PaReCO) night held last October 24, was a key event in the series of activities during the fiesta. This year, it was brought back with much anticipation and joy from the various ministries of the parish.

Another highlight of the fiesta activities is the Youth Night. This year, the Parish Youth Apostolate of St. Jude Shrine proved that even young people have unwavering faith, devotion, and service to the Church. This year, the youth night was entitled “Dilaab 2022” to signify the blazing fire of faith that is burning within the hearts of young people. Within the event were competitions such as the Festival Dance competition which showcased the talent of young people in sharing the diverse cultures of the country; and the Disenyo Tadeo Eco Fashion competition which illuminated the creativity of young people in designing runway clothes made from recycled materials.

The presence and active participation of young people in the parish are indeed essential in building the future of the parish. Moreover, the youth is not only the future but also one of the pillars of the Church today.

For 54 years, the St. Jude Shrine Parish walked along its path with dignity and honor. St. Jude, being the patron saint of the parish, has held the people together in harmony toward God. With the help of St. Jude and the labor of the people, the 54th fiesta of the parish became an indelible mark, not only as part of the golden years of the parish; but as a manifestation that the people of God in St. Jude Shrine Parish have kept in their hearts an undying faith.

To quote the reading of St. Jude’s feast day reads from the letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians. “You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.” (Juliana Luz Legarte | Parish Youth Apostolate Media Head)