Jude, known as Thaddaeus, was a brother of St. James the Less and a relative of our Saviour. One of the 12 Apostles of Jesus, not Judas Iscariot who betrayed our Lord.

Biblical scholars agree that Jude was son of Clopas and his mother Mary was the Virgin Mary’s cousin. Ancient writers tell us that he preached the Gospel in Judea, Samaria, Idumaea, Syria, Mesopotamia and Lybia. He returned to Jerusalem in the year 62 and assisted at the election of his brother, St. Simeon, as Bishop of Jerusalem. He authored an epistle against the heresies of various groups and was martyred in Armenia.

He is often shown with a flame about his head to represent his presence at Pentecost, when he accepted the Holy Spirit alongside the other apostles. Following his death, his body was brought to Rome and placed in a crypt in St. Peter’s Basilica.

More than 70 years ago, Danny Thomas was a young entertainer with a baby on the way. Work wasn’t easy to come by, and his despair grew. He turned to St. Jude Thaddeus and vowed, “Show me my way in life, and I will build you a shrine.” That prayer marked a pivotal moment and soon after, he began finding work, eventually becoming one of the biggest stars of radio, film and television in his day. He used his fame to fulfill his vow and to change the lives of thousands of children and families. In 1962, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital opened in front of a crowd of 9,000 in Memphis. They helped improve the survival rate of childhood cancer from 20 to 80%. Today they are a world leader in developing new, improved treatments for children and still today, families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food.

Most holy Apostle, Saint Jude Thaddeus, friend of Jesus, I place myself in your care at this difficult time. Help me know that I need not face my troubles alone. Please join me in my need, asking God to send me: consolation in my sorrow, courage in my fear, and healing in the midst of my suffering. Ask our loving Lord to fill me with the grace to accept whatever may lie ahead for me and my loved ones, and to strengthen my faith in God’s healing powers. Thank you, Saint Jude Thaddeus, for the promise of hope you hold out to all who believe, and inspire me to give this gift of hope to others as it has been given to me.

V. Saint Jude, Apostle of Hope
R. Pray for us!

He is the patron saint of desperate or lost causes.

His feast day is October 28.

For God’s Glory.