St. Jude’s Shrine - History, Attraction, Timing And More

Jude Shrine is a Roman Catholic Church in Jhansi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is a myth that the Latin Rite Shrine is devoted to St. Jude Thaddaeus, which is also known as part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jhansi. Francis Xavier Fenech built the church. It is mainly located in the Cantonment area of Jhansi. The Catholic Community of the state considered it a significant place. Every year, on 28th October, the shrine celebrates the feast of St. Jude. During this occasion, people from all over the country come here and seek blessings. It is known as the Asia first church that is named after the name of St. Jude Thaddeus or Jude the Apostle. Jude the Apostle, or St. Jude Thaddeus, lived in the 1st century AD. He was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus who sacrificed his life to God’s Word. Moreover, the church was built as a monument of St. Jude Thaddeus.

Attraction

There are so many attractive sights inside the church. The most beautiful thing that can catch your eye at first is the neon lights around the St. Jude niche with the words, St. Jude, pray for us. Another attraction is the St. Jude’s feast day, which is celebrated on 28th October every year. During this time, the church was beautifully decorated with various neon lights and colorful flowers. Christians from all over the world gather here to celebrate the feast.

Here, you can see an architectural marvel and historical significance in Jahangir Mahal. Vir Singh Deo was built for Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 17th century AD. It is the first church in Asia. The church tells the faith and devotion of the Catholic Community. Every day, lots of people come here with deep devotion. But there are special gatherings on Wednesdays, Fridays in Lent, the First Friday of Each month, and Saturdays all over the year. However, it is a place of architectural beauty and spiritual significance.

History

St. Jude’s Shrine has a long, significant history that tells about devotion, faith, and determination. The late Bishop Francis Xavier Fenech built the church in Jhansi. The people of Jhansi weren’t aware of the devotion of St. Jude’s Thaddeus before it. During the challenging time of World War 2, Bishop Fenech promised St. Jude that he would try his best to build a shrine in Jhansi in his honor. St. Jude’s Shrine - History, Attraction, Timing And More But he needs the help of the saints. He tried to expand the devotion among the people by using various media outlets such as the Catholic Herald of England and The Examiner. In this way, Brother Seraphim, who is a determined religious person, played a vital role. He served tirelessly for 30 years to promote the church through prayers, literature, and advice. He also collected responses and advertisements related to St. Jude’s devotion. When all the arrangements were ready, they faced a new problem – where to build St Jude’s shrine. In 1946, a group of Maltese Missionaries came to Jhansi in order to help in missionary work. Rev. Canon oh Metcalf was selected as the Procurator and Promoter of the new church. After that, Father Publius Cassar, who is the Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Church, used the new chapel for St. Jude’s Devotion. As there was no chapel for the devotees, a temporary chapel with holy conception was built for the devotees in 1947. Here, they also kept a statue of St. Jude.

Inside/Outside Views

It is said that St. Jude Thaddeus’s bone contributed to the construction of the church. The inside view of the church is quite peaceful. Devotees are welcomed with glowing candlelight, the perfume of incense, and the peaceful sound of prayers. The central altar is beautifully decorated with religious artwork dedicated to St. Jude Thaddaeus. Pilgrims come here to seek blessings, appeal obligations, and find hope in critical situations. St. Jude is basically represented as carrying the image of Jesus in his hand. The glass windows are the symbol of faith, saints and also biblical events. One of the windows depicts the most attractive statue where St. Jude is holding the image of jesus. It symbolizes the miracles that he did during his work, m spreading the word of God. The outside view of the church tells the story of the faith, devotion, and love of the Christian community. The welcoming gate is marked by a cross or an image of St. Jude. It welcomes devotees from all walks of life. The church is surrounded by lush greenery and tranquility. It always invites the devotees to connect with their Faith. St. Jude’s Shrine - History, Attraction, Timing And More

How to Reach

By Air: Gwalior Domestic Airport is the nearest airport to the church. It is about 103 km away from the church. You can take local buses, cabs or taxis to reach your desired place very easily.

By Train: Jhansi Railway Station is the nearest station of the shrine. It is approximately 1.9 km away from the shrine. You can easily get any local transports such as taxis or buses from the railway station.

By Bus: The shrine is situated at the heart of the city of Jhansi. So, it is easily accessible for all local modes of transports. Jhansi is well- connected with other cities of India. You can take any local bus from nearby cities or States. Besides, you can also take auto or taxi to get there.

Tips for Travellers

First, you should remember that you are going to visit a religious place.
Please cover your head and shoulders while visiting the shrine. Try to wear modest but respective dresses.
Put off your shoes before entering the temple. It will be a sign of reverence.
November to February means winter is the best time to visit the temple. It will give you pleasant weather throughout the visit. Because, during summer, the temperature of Jhansi increases and becomes too hot.
Don’t forget to seek blessings.
Try to explore the local markets.
Carry your necessary papers, water bottles, medicines, and other emergency contacts
Maintain the guidelines given by the authorities.
Take care of yourself and your belongings.