The Monthly Note
March 2017
Many Canadians love Mexico to travel, take a vacation or enjoy the beaches. Catholics who go there are surprised to see images of St. Jude everywhere: in grocery stores, shops, public markets, houses and churches.
Mexicans display their principal devotions everywhere, namely Our Lady of Guadalupe, Christ on the Cross, Holy Trinity and St. Jude. Why St. Jude? He is the Patron Saint of desperate causes, but above all he is the Saint of Hope. Mexicans will put a rosary around his neck when they are looking for a job. When they have family problems, health problems, addictions, or their family members are in need, they pray to the Saint for Hope, they light a candle with his image, they stop praying in a church in front of his statue.
In all countries and all cultures we resemble each other, for we all need to love and be loved. We need to not be forgotten. We need what is necessary to take care of ours. It's the same thing on a spiritual level. Lent 2017 is a time to remember the Love of God for us, the personal attention He has for each one of us, the importance we have for Him.
Be assured we pray for all your intentions that you send us for the Lenten novena, that Mass is celebrated every day for you and your prayer intentions. The Holy Week reminds us that suffering is the lot of the vast majority. The Resurrection of the Lord is for each one of us the assurance that the Love of God is stronger than death, that the personal love of God for each one of us is real and concrete. St. Jude has witnessed this and continues to intercede for our intentions of prayer with Our Lord and our God. Be confident, there is hope !
Rest assured that you can count on the prayers of the Friends of St. Jude. Every Thursday afternoon, together at Mass, we pray for you and your intentions, all the intentions received during the week. Happy New Year ! Be confident, there's hope!
Fr. Henri de Longchamp, Friar Preacher (O.P.)
Director of Saint-Jude’s Apostolic Works
