The Church of San Salvatore in Lauro: A Hub of Devotion to St. Jude Thaddeus

The Church of San Salvatore in Lauro in Rome is not just a place of worship, but also a home to some extraordinary relics that draw in crowds of devoted followers. From St. Padre Pio’s coat and glove to a bone fragment of Jesus’ cousin, St. Jude Thaddeus, the church holds a treasure trove of sacred items.

Fr. Pietro Bongiovanni, the pastor of the church, shared the fascinating history behind the relics of St. Jude Thaddeus. Dating back to the 1800s, the relics were originally housed in a neighboring church that was later converted into a theater. During the removal of the church’s furniture, a fragment of St. Jude Thaddeus’ arm was discovered, adding to the church’s collection of revered relics.

The devotion to St. Jude Thaddeus is strong within the parish community, with some members participating in a weekly prayer group seeking the saint’s intercession. Each year, on the saint’s feast day, San Salvatore hosts a Mass to honor St. Jude’s relics before embarking on a procession to St. Peter’s Basilica.

The celebration extends beyond the borders of Rome, particularly in Mexico, where St. Jude Thaddeus holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially the youth. Mexican Ambassador to the Holy See, Alberto Barranco, emphasized the significance of the saint in Mexican culture, with many young people displaying their devotion through tattoos and fervent prayers.

The annual procession through the streets of Rome serves as a symbol of unity and fraternity, bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures in a shared reverence for St. Jude Thaddeus. As the crowds gather to seek the saint’s intercession for their needs, the procession becomes a powerful display of faith and solidarity.