St.Jude’s Shrine

Amidst the bustling streets of Chennai, a beacon of hope stands tall. St.Jude’s Shrine, a sanctuary of solace and faith, beckons to those seeking divine intervention. St.Jude’s Shrine isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the unwavering faith of a community. It is the only church in the diocese of Chingleput dedicated to St. Jude. He is recognized as the patron saint of hopeless cases and the cousin of Jesus Christ. The story of St.Jude’s Shrine begins between 1973 and 1977. The residents of Vanuvampet would travel to neighboring parishes for their religious observances. Then, a prayer hall was established by Reverend Father Mathew, the parish priest of St. Thomas Mount, and a local devotee, Mr. Arokiam. The land for the church was acquired with the help of Rev. Fr. Phillips and financial support from Bishop Rt.Rev. R. Arulappa. In 1975, Rev.Fr.George Thakkadam established the church and dedicated it to St. Jude, with Bishop Arulappa consecrating it. The devotion to St. Jude blossomed in Vanuvampet. The church underwent renovations in 1997, led by Rev.Fr.Joseph Manickam, and was consecrated by Bishop Lawrence Pious. In 2005, Bishop Neethinathan declared St.Jude’s Church a Quasi parish. It became a new parish the following year with Rev.Fr.G.M.Joseph as the first parish priest. Rev.Fr.Terry Stephen took over in 2009 and introduced special novena masses on the first Thursday and Sunday of each month. Under his and Rev.Fr.Pravin’s guidance, the church saw significant improvements and was blessed and consecrated again in 2013 by Bishop Neethinathan. In 2014, Rev.Fr.Michael Suresh assumed leadership. St.Jude’s Church was designated a Pilgrimage Shrine in 2016. In 2018, it was elevated to a Diocesan Shrine by Bishop Anthonisamy Neethinathan. Rev.Dr.Martin Joseph became Rector & Parish Priest in 2019, followed by Rev.Dr.I.Antony Raj in 2024. Today, St.Jude’s Shrine stands as a testament to perseverance and devotion, a place where hope prevails, and prayers are answered.