Catholic Apostolate Center Resources

Hope in Hopeless Cases: Fr. Frank Donio on the St. Jude Shrine and the Power of Intercession

Episode Summary

Why is St. Jude Thaddeus known as the patron saint of hopeless cases, and how does devotion to Christ's apostle bring hope to those facing impossible trials? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Anna Mitchell welcomes back Fr. Frank Donio, SAC, Director of the Catholic Apostolate Center and Pallottine priest. Fr. Frank shares the rich history of the St. Jude Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland, which has been cared for by the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers since 1917. The Novena to St. Jude began in 1941. It became solely a shrine in 1989. He discusses the perpetual novenas, daily confessions, live streams, and digital petitions that connect pilgrims from around the world to the shrine (stjudeshrine.org). Fr. Frank also shares a deeply personal story of St. Jude’s intercession in his own family, while explaining the iconographic symbolism of St. Jude—including the image of Christ, the club of his martyrdom, and the flame of the Holy Spirit that inspires unwavering Christian hope.

Episode Notes

Why is St. Jude Thaddeus known as the patron saint of hopeless cases, and how does devotion to Christ's apostle bring hope to those facing impossible trials? On The Son Rise Morning Show, host Anna Mitchell welcomes back Fr. Frank Donio, SAC, Director of the Catholic Apostolate Center and Pallottine priest. 

Fr. Frank shares the rich history of the St. Jude Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland, which has been cared for by the Pallottine Fathers and Brothers since 1917. The Novena to St. Jude began in 1941. It became solely a shrine in 1989. He discusses the perpetual novenas, daily confessions, live streams, and digital petitions that connect pilgrims from around the world to the shrine (stjudeshrine.org). Fr. Frank also shares a deeply personal story of St. Jude’s intercession in his own family, while explaining the iconographic symbolism of St. Jude—including the image of Christ, the club of his martyrdom, and the flame of the Holy Spirit that inspires unwavering Christian hope.