A relic of St. Jude, consisting of a bone from his arm, was recently displayed at three churches in Wichita, attracting nearly 7,000 visitors. The Church of the Magdalen was the final stop on this tour, where 3,443 pilgrims came to venerate the relic.

Holly Beard, Parish Life coordinator at Church of the Magdalen, expressed surprise and gratitude for hosting the relic. "We jumped at the opportunity," she said. She noted that many attendees were thankful for the chance to venerate it.

The event involved nearly 60 volunteers who assisted with organizing tables of religious items and directing pilgrims through the church. After Wichita, the relic continued its journey to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church in Topeka.

Fr. Carlos Martins from Treasures of the Church highlighted that St. Jude is often regarded as "the patron saint of lost causes and desperate situations." He emphasized that venerating relics allows believers to feel closer to saints who are considered close to God.

St. Jude was one of Christ’s Twelve Apostles and is believed to have been martyred in Beirut before his remains were moved to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The U.S. tour marks the first time this relic has left Italy since it began on September 9.

Treasures of the Church clarified that venerating relics is not worship but a means to honor saints and seek their intercession through prayer.