St. Jude Thaddeus was one of Jesus’ twelve Apostles and he had a brother known as James The Less. Saint Jude is some times mistaken by Judas Iscariot known in the New Testament for betraying Jesus and handing him over to the Roman Authority, What will you give to me if I deliver him to you. In essence he ends up selling Jesus to the Romans and assisting him in the crucifixion.
Saint Jude Thaddeus is the Patron Saint of desperate cases and lost cases for the Catholic Church and the Patron Saint of The Armenian Apostolic Church. St. Jude is depicted with a club, axe or carpenters rulers, the axe or a similar item is because this is the weapon that was used to kill him. Additionally he could be depicted with a flame at the top or around his head, this is a representation of his participation in Pentecost were the Apostles received the Holy Spirit. You may find several of St. Jude’s names such as Judas, Judah, Jude of James, Jude Thaddeus and Judas not Iscariot; these are in reference of St. Jude.
Within the New Testament and King James you will find several of the names by which St. Jude is referred to, never the less it the same St. Jude although there is great discord among religious leader and experts.
Legend tells us the St Jude was born Jewish in Paneas, Galilee that was later re-named
Caesarea Philippi by the Romans. His fathers name was Clopas and his Mother’s name was Mary. St. Jude’s mother was the cousin of the Virgin Mary. It’s said that St. Jude’s father was murder for his devotion as well as for being outspoken about his interest in Christianity. It said that St. Jude preached the Gospel through Mesopotamia, Lybia, Judea, Samaria and may have even been in Beirut and Edessa. He later return to Jeruselum around the year 62 and assist his brother in the election of Bishop.
Being considered the Patron Saint of Desperate Cases and Lost Causes when you find yourself in a situation beyond your control or a situation that control you, you should evoke yourself to St. Jude. If you need specific structure your prayers can come from a small prayer book, a Novena or the Rosary. You can also just evoke your own prayer of communication as well as 3 day candle. The Catholic Calendar has assigned October 28th as Feast Day for St. Jude, a celebration or recognition day. Local Churches and Parishes sometime hold festivals and special masses on Feast Day to pay honor to the Saint of that day.
