St Jude Procession in Mexico City

In a vibrant display of faith, Catholic devotees in Mexico honored a relic of St. Jude Thaddeus during a watery procession through the picturesque canals of Xochimilco. The wooden figure, which holds a bone fragment of St. Jude’s arm, was transported in a glass case as part of its month-long visit to Mexico, following its inaugural tour of the United States. The relic, which arrived in late July, has drawn significant attention in a country with nearly 100 million Catholics. The procession commenced at 8 a.m., with parishioners eagerly awaiting the relic's departure. Many gathered in colorful trajineras, traditional boats, clapping along to the rhythm of local music performed by a band. As the procession made its way through the canals, hundreds more lined the banks, anticipating the relic's arrival at the end of the route, where a foot procession led to Xochimilco’s cathedral. Among the participants was Francisco García, who expressed his personal connection to the event, sharing that he sought St. Jude’s intercession for his mother’s surgery. The atmosphere was filled with devotion, as attendees reflected on their family traditions and the significance of St. Jude in their lives. The relic was scheduled to remain on display in an oratory next to the cathedral until nightfall, before continuing its journey through central Mexico's churches.