Food for the Soul:
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” --Romans 5:3-5
"I started attending novena to St. Jude last January 2011 and expected to end around March 2011. I was a graduating college student at that time in a university around Manila and I was a "Latin Honor Graduate Hopeful” and a "Graduate Student Hopeful." I received the good news, in my 8th day of novena, that I made it to the cut off grade and will be graduating cum laude, at the same time I was also admitted 'direct entry' to a graduate program in a prestigious university in Manila. I was a graduating student that time, with no formal work experience and St. Jude helped me make it to the graduate school and he helped me get exempted from taking the pre-requisite courses to all incoming graduate students. Indeed, with hard work and faith nothing is impossible. Thank You St. Jude Thaddeus, I will forever be your faithful servant."
– Junnie Salud, student
"When I was a kid, about eight or nine years old, I vividly remember until now that I had a very brief moment with this Saint, that time I never knew that he will be the same saint that will help me and guide me all my life. I was crying upstairs that time for reason that I got scolded by my mom, full of tears I saw a very clear image of this saint, sat down on the edge of the bed and gave me a gentle stroke on my head, and I cried on his lap. And that was it. Year 1993, I lost my job and tried getting a new one. I ended up getting a job and quitting after few days because I felt that the job was not really for me. It went on for few more times, the hiring and then quitting; then I met my old officemate from my previous job and I told her my hardship. She suggested "mag-novena ka kay St. Jude,” then I did. I was astounded seeing St. Jude's shrine for the first time as I remember the very image I saw during my childhood. I went on with my novena for nine days with two wishes in my heart and mind. During my novena days, my faith was really tested with heavy storm and lack of transportation money, but I was guided with determination and of course faith. My first wish was to get a stable and steady job. My second wish was if ever I will go into a relationship, let it be the man I will marry (nanghingi pa ko ng sign na kung sino man ang unang lalaking makakasama ko sa simbahan ng St. Jude ay yun na ang mapangasawa ko). On the seventh day of my novena, I got a job at a very prestigious law office (owned by GMA-7 big boss, Felipe Gozon). I was a happy employee! While working there, I've met several guys who showed interest in me but I see "no sign.” After three years, I met a guy who is six years younger than me. That guy was initially interested with my friend, and even introduced me to his friend. One day, this guy called me and asked me, "saan ka nagsisimba?" which I gave a typical response, "sa St. Jude, du’n sa malapit sa Malacanang Palace," and there we were in St. Jude Church, hearing the mass together. That was in year 1996. We got married in 1997, with three healthy and smart kids. Year 2001, my husband left for the US (Chicago, Illinois) right after I gave birth to our third child. Securing visa was really tough. I then again, did my novena to St. Jude. During one of my visits, I found a novena prayer in his Shrine. On the very bottom of the page, the word "Chicago, Illinois" was written, I thought that the novena was made by someone from that state, so I took and kept it. On the seventh day of my novena, I was in front of the US Embassy for my interview and of course, left the embassy with all smile on my face. I went straight to St. Jude Church for my thanksgiving prayer and another novena to petition another visa for my kid. I left our country to be with my husband in the US. Year 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2009, there were lots of trials and hardships over these years and I just can't thank St. Jude Thaddeus enough for always interceding and his holy intercession always deliver my wishes to God, through our dearest Lord Jesus Christ, and through the intervention of the Most Holy and Blessed Mother Mary Ever Virgin, the Holy Spirit and all the Angels and Saints. Until now, for almost ten years, I still have the novena prayer I found. Medyo luma na at faded na ang mga letra since the prayer was typewritten pero patuloy ko pa din binabasa at patuloy pa ding gumagawa ng milagro sa buhay ko at sa buhay ng pamilya ko. It is my first time to send a testimonial here at sana maging inspirasyon sa mga tao na lalong maging malapit sa Diyos at manghingi ng intercession kay St. Jude Thaddeus. Maraming Salamat Po. "
– Jovy, Las Vegas, Nevada