St Jude, Apostle

Jude, one of the twelve Apostles, sometimes called Judas is often shown in icons with a flame on his head representing his presence at Pentecost and the reception of the Holy Spirit.  His two main attributes are a long club and holding a golden medallion with an image of Christ on it.  Occasionally he is depicted with a book or a carpenter's rule. 




The UK National Shrine for St Jude
 is in Faversham, Kent and over the weekend closest to his feast there are pilgrimages to honour him and venerate the relic reserved in the shrine.  The Shrine has been totally renovated following a major fire and now has a number of modern icons of Carmelite saints to mark the connection of the Shrine and the Carmelite Order. 
A tradition has Jude being invoked as a saint for lost causes.

 

PAUL JENKINS SOLEMN PROFESSION

On Saturday 19th October Paul Jenkins, surrounded by his brethren and family and friends professed the Evangelical Counsels of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity and committed himself to serving the Order of Carmelites for life.  This step had been taken after lengthy discernment and living in community.  Paul will continue to live in The Friars, Aylesford until the next Provincial Chapter.  Paul's family have been a great support during his build up to this decision and it was great to see so many of them here to witness him place his hands into those of the Wilfrid McGreal, the Provincial and publically profess his vows and then sign the document on the altar. 

Music was provided by musicians from the Southwark Catholic Youth Service who have become very much part of our lives here in The Friars.  Paul will be closely involved in work with the SCYS both here and there centre, St Vincent's in Whitstable.  The service was followed by a photo shoot and a magnificent buffet in the Pilgrim's Hall.