By Fr Benny Palliparambil –
Jhansi: The devotion to St. Jude Thaddaeus (the patron of impossible causes) was practically unknown in India and it was the late Bishop Francis Xavier Fenech, a Maltese prelate, who in 1954 became the first bishop of Jhansi, a historic city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
It was not easy especially during the World War II, but Bishop Fenech was a man of great faith. He made a promise to St. Jude that if he helped him, he would build a shrine in Jhansi in his honour. As a result, a small shrine was built adjacent to the Bishop’s house quarters. As time and years went on, the need to build a proper shrine grew. The temporary chapel was too small to accommodate people who used to come for devotion. As a result, due to the hard work of elders including Bishop, fathers, sisters and lay faithful today a magnificent shrine of St Jude came into existence in Jhansi five decades ago.
This year too due to the pandemic situation, the pilgrims were requested to limit their presence. Prior to COVID-19, large number of devotees from various states used to flock to St Jude’s Shrine at Jhansi during the nine days of Novena and for the feast thereafter. However, online services were provided for the devotees.
The Novena began with the flag blessing and hoisting by Rt Rev. Peter Parapullil the Bishop of Jhansi. All the days witnessed three Masses – in English, Marathi and in Hindi. After each Mass, Novena prayers and blessings with the relics brought the culmination of liturgical services each time.
Each Novena Mass was presided over by various fathers from the diocese as well as neighbouring dioceses. However, a regular priest from Mumbai was present for the Marathi. Choirs from various mission stations or educations institutions supported each Holy Eucharistic celebration wonderfully.
On the Ninth day of Novena, evening Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Emeritus of Gwalior Joseph Kaithathara, who also gave a deep reflection on the Gospel in relation to the Saint of the Impossible Causes.
Nevertheless, the feast day (28th October) witnessed a sizable crowd for the Holy Eucharist. Masses were held in Marathi at 5.45 am and English at 6.45 am. The main Eucharistic celebration was offered by Rt Rev. Peter Parapullil (Bishop of Jhansi) at 9 00 am. The Mass in English was held at 12 noon. Holy Eucharist in Hindi was held at 4.00 pm followed by the solemn procession with St Jude’s Relic and Statue. Faithful from in and around the diocese, from Bombay, Goal, especially for the last three days also added to the celebration. The presence and participation of numerous fathers from neighbouring dioceses also added to the service to the devotees.
Each liturgical celebration had a serene ending with the novena prayers by the dear faithful who have witnessed powerful intercession of St Jude Thaddeus here in Jhansi.
Many gathered to witness and pray during the procession adoration and final blessing. At the end the Solemn Blessing, especially for healing prayers and blessings, many witnessed miracles; healings taking place, prayers for impossible causes been heard. Indeed St Jude is known as the Saint of Impossible causes.
We continue to pray for each other with a special note for those who have no one to pray, also for those who are suffering from various sicknesses, this year also for those suffering from corona. At the same time, let us not forget to thank the Lord for all the blessings that we have received, Let us thank the Lord for the Love and compassion that we do experience in our day-to-day life.
May God shower blessings through the intercession of St Jude. God Bless.