In the Care of St. Jude: A Family’s Prayerful Journey

Submitted by Enrichetta and Royden David

During the visit of the relic of St. Jude to St. Rose of Lima Church in Simi Valley, California in November  2024, our family experienced a profound answer to prayer. On the very first day of the Novena, just before heading to church, my wife returned from a dental appointment with unexpected and distressing news: she had been diagnosed with a precancerous condition.

Though shaken, we held fast to our faith. We believed it was no coincidence that this news came at the very start of the Novena to St. Jude, the Patron of Impossible Causes. Together with our three children, we prayed fervently throughout those three days, asking for St. Jude’s intercession. Fr. Michail P. Ford, OP, prayed over my wife and blessed her with the relic.

The first biopsy was scheduled at a clinic next to St. Jude Church in Westlake. While the procedure was taking place, my young son and I sat in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel nearby, praying. Somehow, St. Jude seemed to be present at every step.

Two and a half months later, a second biopsy was performed. This time, the results showed no sign of the precancerous condition. We were deeply moved and filled with gratitude.

Since then, our family has continued to pray with the blessed oil of St. Jude and the special prayer we received during the Novena. St. Jude has always held a special place in my life—he is my patron saint and my baptismal middle name.

We give thanks for the healing we witnessed, and for the comfort, hope, and strength we found through the intercession of St. Jude.