February 2012



  Dear Friend of St. Jude,

          Nestled within the shadows of the Himalayan Mountains is a place in India where time seems to have stood still.  Forgotten almost.

          Getting there requires a reliable 4-wheel-drive vehicle and nerves of steel, as the few roads going there are daringly steep.  Forget traveling there during the monsoon season!  What roads do exist melt away from the countless mudslides. 

          Welcome to Arunachal Pradesh!  

          There is no electricity, no telephone service, no doctors or nurses — not even a proper school for the children.  If you happen to “get stuck” there, you can count on staying for months, not just days or even weeks.

          Yet, as remote as this place may be, Christ is there, thanks to you!  

          Yes, your continued support has given St. Jude Shrine the ability to send our Pallottine missionaries to this distant place where the people have literally been waiting for Christ.  You see, these villagers have often heard about a Savior named Jesus from visitors passing through.  None of these visitors ever stayed — none, that is, until you sent our Pallottine priests there. 

          And now, the children of Arunachal Pradesh are also learning to read and write.  They even have access to basic medical care!  Your recent gift to St. Jude Shrine is what made all of this possible.  I was also hoping you might share another gift of your generosity after hearing of the miraculous and profound affect you have had on these people.  This is the kind of news you’ve been hoping for!  

         And this is just one of many ways your sacrifices and support of
St. Jude Shrine has given Pallottine missionaries the ability to lift up the forgotten, the poor, the needy — and give them the means to help themselves.

          You give them hope!        

          You bring them out of darkness and into God’s healing light.  Superstition continues to be commonplace here, but the Good News is beginning to take hold.  More and more people of Arunachal Pradesh are eagerly welcoming Christ!   

          That’s why I believe so strongly that your works of mercy will find great favor with Christ.  And by supporting these vital missions in St. Jude’s name, you will undoubtedly have his ear should you ever need his help.   

          Never forget that anything is possible!  No hardship or circumstance is insurmountable when you have our patron saint of hope intervening on your behalf with Christ in heaven.  I promise to offer my own personal prayers for
you — all you have to do is write and let me know!   

          The people of Arunachal Pradesh will forever be grateful that you were there to answer there pleas for help.  Your sacrifices have led to their answered prayers. 

          Won’t you help keep our Circle of Hope going for others in need?    

         That’s how powerful your sacrifices can be when you share your blessings with St. Jude Shrine.  Please share another gift of your compassion and generosity.            


                                                             Wishing you the Hope of St. Jude,  

                                                                  

                                                             Father Peter Sticco, S.A.C.
                                                             Novena Director