In this Kentish market town, the Carmelite friars maintain England's National Shrine of St. Jude—the patron of hopeless causes, desperate situations, and lost things. The shrine attracts thousands who have nowhere else to turn: those facing impossible medical diagnoses, broken relationships, financial ruin, or spiritual despair. They come to invoke the apostle whom tradition identifies as the author of the New Testament epistle bearing his name, and whom popular devotion has made the saint of last resort.
The shrine's presence in Faversham reflects the Carmelites' commitment to pastoral care of those the world considers beyond help. The friars who serve here combine contemplative prayer with active ministry, offering spiritual direction, the sacraments, and a listening ear to all who seek St. Jude's intercession.
Faversham itself is a historic town that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries—the road to Canterbury passed through here, and the medieval abbey (now ruined) hosted travelers on their way to Becket's shrine. The Carmelite presence continues this tradition of hospitality to those on spiritual journeys.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
St. Jude Thaddaeus, one of the Twelve Apostles, appears in the Gospels as a man who asked Jesus why He would reveal Himself to the disciples but not to the world. His feast day (October 28, shared with St. Simon) marks the traditional date of his martyrdom in Persia.
Devotion to St. Jude as patron of desperate causes developed relatively late in Catholic piety, possibly because his name's similarity to Judas Iscariot caused the faithful to avoid invoking him. Those who did turn to him, the reasoning went, came only when all other saints had failed—making him by default the helper of hopeless cases.
The Carmelite Order established the Faversham shrine in the twentieth century as part of their apostolate to the spiritually struggling. The friars maintain both the shrine and a wider ministry through prayers, publications, and correspondence with devotees worldwide who write seeking St. Jude's help.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Faversham
National Shrine of St. Jude
Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Jude
The Carmelite church houses the National Shrine of St. Jude, with a prominent statue of the apostle and space for prayer and petition. The shrine receives thousands of prayer requests annually, which the friars present during their daily devotions.
The church also honors Our Lady of Mount Carmel, patroness of the Carmelite Order, with a separate shrine and devotional space.
Carmelite Friary
The friary adjacent to the church houses the Carmelite community. Visitors may encounter the friars' hospitality and learn about Carmelite spirituality.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of St. Jude — October 28
The principal feast draws pilgrims for special Masses, novena prayers, and veneration at the shrine.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel — July 16
The Carmelite patronal feast is celebrated with particular solemnity.
Monthly St. Jude Devotions
Regular devotions to St. Jude are held throughout the year.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Faversham hotels and B&Bs — The town offers various accommodation options.
Canterbury Hotels — The cathedral city (15 km) provides extensive accommodation.
🚗 Getting There
By Train: Faversham station is on the high-speed line from London St. Pancras (approximately 1 hour) and the slower line from Victoria.
By Car: Faversham is just off the M2/A2 motorway corridor. Parking in town center.
🔗 Useful Links
National Shrine of St. Jude — Shrine information and prayer requests.
Diocese of Southwark — Diocesan resources.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Canterbury (15 km) — Cathedral and site of St. Thomas Becket's martyrdom.
Aylesford (25 km) — Carmelite shrine with Relics Chapel.
Ramsgate (20 km) — Shrine of St. Augustine.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"St. Jude, apostle and helper in hopeless cases, pray for us who have nowhere else to turn. In our desperation, intercede for us with Christ." — Traditional prayer to St. Jude
