4The history of a tiny plot of ground on which the renowned St. Jude Children's Research Hospital exists holds a truly remarkable story of suffering, happiness and intrigue. Since Hernando de Soto arrived there in 1541 AD and claimed the area in the name of Spain and the Catholic Church, events have occurred within this half mile that lead us to refer to it as "hallowed ground". The crowning glory came from afar in recent years when the son of Lebanese immigrants in Detroit, Danny Thomas, prayed to St. Jude Thaddeus for direction in his life and promised to build a shrine to the Saint. Why he chose to build his shrine as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and why he placed it on our hallowed half mile in Memphis will enhance the faith of the most hardened heart.