Director’s Letter
Director’s Letter
It is with great joy and a deep sense of mission that I take the helm as the Director of the Rosary Shrine of Saint Jude. Most of all, I am excited about praying for and getting to know you, our benefactors, who share in our devotion and our zeal in praying for the salvation of souls and blessings for those we love through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Jude.
For the past ten years, you have partnered with my brother priest, Father Gabriel Gillen, O.P., to build up devotion to Our Lady, Saint Jude, and the Order of Preachers. You have made sacrifices for those reached by our preaching, and it is only right for you to be continually remembered before God for your generosity. I take that part of my job very seriously.
I come to you most recently from serving as campus chaplain at the University of Louisville. From my recent experience I know that young people are searching for answers but they are drowning in confusion. It is not only the young but our society as a whole that is confused and searching for answers.
Jesus Christ is the answer. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. With Him, we have abundant Life. Without Him, we do not have any life worthy of the name at all. We must shout the saving truth of Jesus Christ from the rooftops. Together, we can proclaim Him anew.
I have also noticed that for many people today there is a temptation toward discouragement and even despair. Making our way through difficult times, whether they’re societal ills or our own personal struggles, can sometimes seem impossible. But with the help of God, the intercession of our patron, Saint Jude, and the motherly love of Our Lady, we can persevere in faith.
Father Bede Jarrett, O.P., explains that “hope is the greatest need.” This issue of the Saint Jude Messenger highlights several beautiful testimonies of God’s work in the lives of our friends and benefactors through the powerful intercession of Saint Jude.
Our hope also extends to our loved ones who have died and the souls of the faithful departed whom we remember in a special way through the Masses offered at the Rosary Shrine of Saint Jude for the poor souls in Purgatory during the entire month of November.
The words of Jesus to His disciples, “Be not afraid,” are addressed to us as well. Placing ourselves and our loved ones under the mantle of Our Lady and entrusting our needs to Saint Jude, we find hope and peace knowing that God loves us tremendously.
I look forward to collaborating with you for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. May God bless you and your loved ones abundantly.
Father John Paul Kern, O.P.
Director, Rosary Shrine of Saint Jude