St. Jude Thaddeus, one of the twelve apostles, is known as the patron of difficult and hopeless causes. Catholics turn to him when they feel there is nowhere else to turn.
Most holy Apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of difficult 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 (mention your request), and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever.
I promise, O blessed Saint Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.
When to Pray It
- When facing a situation that seems impossible: illness, money troubles, family problems, or any heavy burden
- As a novena, praying the prayer each day for nine days
- On Thursdays, the day many Catholics, especially in the Philippines, keep as St. Jude's day
- On his feast day, October 28
Who Is St. Jude?
St. Jude, also called Thaddeus, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. He is the "Judas, not the Iscariot" who asks Jesus a question at the Last Supper (John 14:22). He is traditionally honored as the author of the Letter of Jude in the New Testament.
According to tradition, he preached the Gospel in the Middle East and died a martyr. He is often shown holding an image of Jesus, with a flame above his head, a sign of the Holy Spirit he received at Pentecost.
The Church celebrates his feast with St. Simon the Apostle on October 28.
Why Is He the Patron of Hopeless Causes?
One common explanation is that, because his name sounded like Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, many Christians hesitated to pray to him. Those who did turn to him were often people with nowhere else to go, and he became known as the saint of last resort.
His own letter also encourages Christians to persevere in difficult times and to keep themselves in the love of God (Jude 1:20–21).
St. Jude in the Philippines
Devotion to St. Jude is especially strong in the Philippines. The National Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus in Manila draws large crowds of devotees, especially on Thursdays.