St. Jude Thaddeus (San Judas Tadeo) is one of the twelve Apostles and the patron saint of difficult and desperate cases. His feast day is October 28, shared with St. Simon the Apostle. This guide brings together his life, why so many people turn to him, his best-known prayer and simple ways to honor him at home.
Who Was St. Jude Thaddeus?
Jude, also called Thaddeus, was chosen by Jesus as one of the Twelve. The Gospels list him among the Apostles, and at the Last Supper he asks Jesus why He would reveal Himself to the disciples and not to the world (John 14:22). Tradition identifies him as the author of the short New Testament Letter of Jude, which encourages Christians to "contend for the faith" and remain steadfast.
After Pentecost, tradition holds that Jude preached the Gospel in Mesopotamia and Persia, often together with St. Simon, and that both gave their lives as martyrs. This is why they share a feast day in the Church calendar.
How to Recognize St. Jude in Religious Art
- A medallion with the face of Jesus on his chest, recalling the tradition of the Image of Edessa.
- A flame above his head, a sign that he received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
- A club or axe, the instrument of his martyrdom.
- A green robe, especially in Latin American images of San Judas Tadeo.
Why Is He the Patron of Hopeless Causes?
For centuries many Christians avoided praying to St. Jude because his name sounded like Judas Iscariot, the Apostle who betrayed Jesus. A popular explanation says that, because he was so often overlooked, the faithful came to see him as the saint to turn to when every other door seemed closed. His own letter reminds us to keep ourselves in the love of God and to wait for His mercy, a message of hope for anyone facing illness, unemployment, family problems or grief.
Devotion to San Judas Tadeo is especially strong in Latin America. In Mexico City, thousands of pilgrims visit the Church of San Hipólito on the 28th of every month, and many Venezuelan, Colombian and Cuban families keep his image at home.
The Prayer to St. Jude
O most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He 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, particularly (make your request here), and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.
Many people pray this prayer as a novena, nine days in a row, often ending on October 28 or on the 28th of any month. It is traditional to add an Our Father, a Hail Mary and a Glory Be each day, and to give thanks publicly once the favor is received.
How to Honor St. Jude at Home
- Set up a small home altar with a St. Jude statue hand-painted in Italy and a Bible open to the Letter of Jude.
- Light a San Judas Tadeo candle (velón) while praying the novena.
- Carry his protection with a St. Jude medal, a meaningful gift for someone going through a hard time.
- Read his short letter in the New Testament (only 25 verses) and reflect on its call to perseverance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is St. Jude's feast day? October 28, together with St. Simon the Apostle.
Is St. Jude the same as Judas Iscariot? No. Jude Thaddeus was a faithful Apostle and martyr; Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus.
What is St. Jude the patron of? Desperate and lost causes, difficult situations, hospitals and those who care for the sick.
Find more images, candles and medals in our Saint & Archangel collection.
