My miraculous intercessors...

Last Thursday, 17 March, I had the chance to visit one of my favorite shrines again, the National Shrine of Saint Jude Thaddeus in San Miguel, Manila. Although I consider St. Jude Thaddeus as one of my favorite Patron Saints, I’ve never really been a devout follower. Unlike others who never fail to go there for the weekly novena on Thursdays, my visit to St. Jude shrine has always been by chance. There was one visit though that I did on purpose and that was when my relationship with St. Jude began. I was desperate about something so I went and called on him. He did not fail me. I got my wish.

The second time I called on him was for a fervent wish that I thought would have a slim chance to attain. As maybe most of you are aware of, St. Jude has been known as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. I never really had the chance to visit the shrine that time but I called on him. And again, I got what I prayed for. That was one of the happiest days of my life! My happiness was beyond words. It was just amazing. I will not go into details about this wish but it was a wish not for myself but for my parents. What I initially thought was impossible was actually possible and just within my reach. Truly with God, nothing is impossible. I thank St. Jude for his miraculous intercession.

Today, I always call on St. Jude and talk to him informally through my prayers. I may not be a regular visitor of his shrine in Manila but like God, he is always present in my heart. I must admit though that a personal visit to the shrine always comes with a good and a refreshing feeling. My visit last Thursday was no different. For some reason, I felt a deep sense of calmness and peacefulness inside the shrine. I so love the floating candles where one can offer his/her petitions. I lighted two candles and I don’t know how and why but I felt a strong sense of assurance… yeah, a strong sense of divine providence.

Anyway, that Thursday was another shopping spree for me only, it wasn’t about shopping for fashion or material things. I shopped for anything that’s St. Jude. I got a new St. Jude novena booklet, a St. Jude mug, a laminated picture of St. Jude, and a bible. I wanted to get more like key chains, rosaries, etc. but I was running out of cash. I’m planning to buy another mug and bible so I have for both work and home. I‘m not promising anything but I’ll make time to visit the shrine more often.

There you go. Next stop? St. Pio Chapel in Libis. I’ve never been there but I hear a lot of beautiful stories about the chapel. Like St. Jude and of course, Mama Mary (yes, I'm also a Marian devotee), St. Pio has never failed me. ♥♥♥

How about you? Who are your favorite Patron Saints and how are your experiences with them?