A nationwide tour of the relics of St. Jude, known as “the apostle of the impossible” comes to St. Jude Parish in Peoria on Nov. 12.

The St. Jude visit will be the only stop in the Diocese of Peoria.

The most notable relic is the arm of St. Jude. A news release on the tour website (apostleoftheimpossible.com), describes it as “encased in a wooden reliquary carved in the shape of a priestly arm, imparting a blessing.”

The tour marks the first time the relic has left Italy.

The relic of the arm of St. Jude, encased in a wooden carving of a priestly arm raised in blessing, comes to St. Jude Parish in Peoria on Nov. 12.

Father Carlos Martins, CC, director of Treasures of the Church, is leading the tour and comments, “The Apostle’s visit is an effort by the Catholic Church to give comfort and hope to all who need it.”

THE LORD’S LOVE MADE MANIFEST

The tour website defines relics as “physical objects that have a direct association with the saints or with Our Lord.”

The Church emphasizes that the Catholic tradition of venerating relics is not worship or superstition but a way of recognizing the simple human desire to want to see, to touch, to make real that which seems too good to be true – namely, the Lord’s love for us.

As St. Thomas said, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hands in his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).

VENERATION AND MASS SCHEDULE

Father Martins added, “It is wonderful to see a parish, school, or prison renewed after an exposition.  That is the basis for this ministry’s existence.”

Veneration of St. Jude’s at St. Jude Parish in Peoria begins at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12. There will be a special Mass at 6:30 p.m., and public veneration will end at 10 p.m.