Faversham and the Vatican may seem worlds apart, but the Pope has been given a present from our town.

Carmelites from the National Shrine of Saint Jude, in Tanners Street, visited Rome to meet with others in the work of pilgrimage and shrine ministry.

To mark the celebration, they gave Pope Francis a new statue of Saint Jude from Faversham, and they say he was “very happy” to receive his gift.

This year marks the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, a long period of prayer, and Pope Francis has invited a number of people to the Vatican.

Over the course of 2016, to celebrate the jubilee, there will be gatherings of the sick or disabled, priests, deacons and others.

Pope Francis wanted the first gathering of the year to be with those who are involved in the work of pilgrimages and shrines, which led to the Carmelites of Faversham’s invitiation.

The shrine in Faversham attracts thousands each year from across the globe, who come to visit and pray in the town.

It has become a sacred place for many to worship.

Members of the shrine, including development manager Matthew Betts, Friar Francis Kemsley and Mr Johan Bergström-Allen from the Carmelite British Province were all overwhelmed to meet the religious leader.

Mr Betts said: “As we’ve been celebrating our diamond jubilee for the last year, we presented the Pope with a statue of Saint Jude from the Apostle’s National Shrine at Faversham.

“Pope Francis was very pleased to receive the statue. He has a great and happy personality, and is welcoming to all.

“Giving the statue to His Holiness served as a great and happy conclusion to our diamond jubilee.”