About St. Jude the Apostle
St. Jude, also known as Thaddeus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He is often called the “forgotten” apostle because of the similarity of his name to Judas Iscariot. Yet, St. Jude remained faithful and became a powerful intercessor for those in desperate and hopeless situations.
He preached the Gospel with great zeal and courage, especially in the regions of Mesopotamia and Persia. His Epistle in the New Testament urges Christians to persevere in faith and remain strong amid trials.
St. Jude is honored today as the Patron Saint of Impossible Causes, and countless people around the world pray to him when all else seems lost—trusting in his powerful intercession.
Quick Facts / Saint Info
- Patron Saint of: Hopeless cases, desperate situations, hospitals
- One of the Twelve Apostles
- Cousin of Jesus
Why Pray the St. Jude Novena?
Catholics pray the St. Jude Novena for:
- Impossible causes
- Urgent financial needs
- Family problems
- Healing and recovery
- Employment and work concerns
- Anxiety and discouragement
- Special intentions
- Strength during difficult trials
- Renewed hope and faith
What is St. Jude the patron saint of?
St. Jude Thaddeus is known as the Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes, Desperate Situations, and Lost Causes. He is also invoked for help in impossible or difficult cases where there seems to be little or no hope. Many people turn to him when all other solutions have failed.
How long does the St. Jude novena last?
The St. Jude Novena lasts 9 consecutive days. You pray it once each day for nine days in a row. This tradition follows the example of the Apostles who prayed together for nine days between Jesus’ Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Can I pray the novena for someone else?
Yes, you can absolutely pray the St. Jude Novena for someone else. This is called intercessory prayer. You may pray for a family member, friend, or anyone in need. Simply mention their name and their specific intention during the novena.
When is the best time to start the novena?
You can start the St. Jude Novena at any time — God and St. Jude hear your prayers whenever you call on them. Many people choose to begin it when they are facing a difficult situation. It is also very popular to start the novena 9 days before St. Jude’s feast day (October 19 for a novena ending on October 28).
How to Pray the Novena
- Pray once a day for 9 consecutive days
- Best time: Morning or before bed
- Optional: Light a candle, have an image or statue of St. Jude
Why is Saint Jude called the patron saint of impossible causes?
For centuries, many faithful have reported receiving extraordinary graces through his intercession when facing seemingly hopeless situations.
Can I pray the St. Jude Novena for a miracle?
Yes. Many Catholics pray the novena when seeking God’s help in difficult circumstances, trusting in His mercy and providence.
Does Saint Jude answer prayers?
Catholics believe that saints intercede before God on our behalf. All graces ultimately come from God through the prayers of His saints.
| Novena Begins: | October 19 |
| Feast Day: | October 28 |
Name Meaning: “Gentleness of character”
Day 1 – St. Jude Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most holy Apostle, St. 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 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 granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Jude Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most holy Apostle, St. 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 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 granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Jude Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most holy Apostle, St. 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 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 granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Jude Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most holy Apostle, St. 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 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 granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Jude Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most holy Apostle, St. 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 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 granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Jude Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most holy Apostle, St. 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 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 granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Jude Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most holy Apostle, St. 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 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 granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Jude Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Most holy Apostle, St. 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 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 granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Jude Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most holy Apostle, St. 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 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 granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen
Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…