St. Jude Thaddeus
Apostle, Patron of Impossible Causes
Feast Day: October 28
Biography
St. Jude, also known as Thaddeus or Lebbaeus, was one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is traditionally identified as the author of the Epistle of Jude in the New Testament, in which he warns against false teachers and exhorts the faithful to persevere. According to tradition, after Pentecost he preached the Gospel in Judea, Samaria, Idumaea, Mesopotamia, Libya, and Persia, where he was martyred — some traditions say he was clubbed to death, others that he was killed with an axe. His association with desperate and impossible causes is believed to stem from the similarity of his name to Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus. Because early Christians avoided invoking him for fear of confusion with the traitor, Jude became the saint of 'last resort' — the one to whom people turned when all other avenues had been exhausted. Far from being forgotten, he has become one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church, especially since the 20th century, with major shrines in Chicago and Baltimore.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
Most holy Apostle St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of His enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many. But the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hope. Pray for me, who am so miserable; make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege accorded to you to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Jude Thaddeus, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Jude Thaddeus, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.