St. Jude Prayer for an Urgent Cause

by | Festivity, Lives of Saints

In the Catholic tradition, the Saints occupy a special place as intercessors and models of faith. Among them are the apostles and Saints Simon and Jude, whose lives and ministries are intertwined in significant ways. Their feast day, October 28, is a reminder of the importance of the apostolic community in spreading the gospel.

In this article, we will explore these Saints’ biographies, their bodies’ resting places, and the St. Jude prayer for urgent causes, thus offering hope and devotion to those seeking their intercession.

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Who were St. Simon and St. Jude?

Saint Simon the Zealot

Saint Simon, known as Simon the Zealot, is one of the twelve apostles mentioned in the New Testament. He is attributed the nickname “the Zealot,” suggesting he was part of a radical Jewish group that advocated resistance against Roman rule in Judea. Although little is known about his life before following Jesus, his fervor for the freedom of the Jewish people and his devotion to the Messiah are evident in the accounts of his apostolic life.

Simon witnessed many of Jesus’ miracles and teachings, and after the Resurrection, he devoted himself to preaching the gospel. According to tradition, Simon took the message of Christ to various regions, including Egypt, where he performed many miracles and converted numerous people to Christianity. It is said that he also preached in Great Britain, where his work was fundamental in the spread of Christianity.

His martyrdom in Persia is commemorated on October 28, although the exact circumstances of his death are uncertain. His dedication and sacrifice for the faith have made him a symbol of commitment and courage in the Christian life.

St. Jude Thaddeus

St. Jude Thaddeus, also known as Thaddeus, is another apostle whose life and legacy are of great importance in the Christian faith. He is often confused with Judas Iscariot, the traitor, which led to his name being little mentioned for centuries. However, he is recognized as the saint of lost and urgent causes, and many people invoke him in times of crisis.

Jude Thaddeus is mentioned in the Gospels as the son of James and a relative of Jesus, which makes him part of the Savior’s family. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to preaching the gospel and strengthening the faith of believers. He is attributed the authorship of the Epistle of Jude in the New Testament, a text that encourages Christians to remain firm in the faith and avoid corruption and heresy.

After the Ascension of Jesus, Jude Thaddeus continued his evangelizing work, traveling to places such as Syria and Persia, where he performed miracles and converted many to Christianity. Tradition holds that he was martyred for his faith in Persia, and his death is commemorated on October 28, like that of St. Simon.

St. Jude Thaddeus is known for his intercessory power in times of urgent need. When faced with difficult or seemingly hopeless situations, many people turn to him in faith, trusting in his ability to intercede with God. His image, often depicted with a flame above his head and holding an axe or a book, symbolizes his genuine commitment to faith and his role as an apostle.

Where are the remains of Saints Simon and Jude?

St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. Remains of St. Simon and St. Jude Thaddeus.

Image by Mallio Falcioni in Fábrica de San Pedro (https://www.basilicasanpietro.va/es/multimedia/galeria-de-fotos.html)

    The remains of Saints Simon and Jude rest together in a joint tomb located just below the high altar of the left transept of the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. This sacred place is a true treasure for Catholics, where the apostles who dedicated their lives to evangelizing and sharing the message of Christ are honored. The closeness of their remains reminds us of their commitment to the faith and their union in the apostolic mission.

    In particular, the remains of St. Simon and St. Jude Thaddeus are located under the chapel’s main altar dedicated to St. Joseph, a space of profound meaning and prayer. This chapel celebrates St. Joseph as the protector of the Holy Family and allows devotees to approach the famous St. Jude Thaddeus, the saint of lost causes. Many visitors stop here to seek his intercession under challenging times, trusting that his protective spirit will guide and strengthen them in their time of need.

     

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    Need to find Mass times at a catholic church near you? Download the FREE Catholic Mass Times app! Download it now if you are looking for a Live Catholic Mass near me

    St. Jude Prayer

    St. Jude Thaddeus, patron saint of urgent causes.

    The St. Jude Prayer for difficult and urgent cases

    In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

    O Holy Apostle St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of difficult and desperate cases. Pray for me, I am alone and helpless and feel great loneliness.

    Make use, I implore Thee, of the special privilege granted to Thee, of early and visible succor when all hope is almost lost. Come to my aid in this great need, that I may receive the comfort and succor of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly… (make your request here) and that I may praise God with you and with all the elect forever.

    I promise, Glorious St. Jude, never to forget this great favor; to honor you always as my special and powerful patron; and with great gratitude, to do all I can to live my Christian Faith well.

    St. Jude, pray for us and for all those who honor you and invoke your help.

    Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be (3 times).

    Amén.

    Need to find Mass times at a catholic church near you? Download the FREE Catholic Mass Times app! Download it now if you are looking for a Live Catholic Mass near me
    Need to find Mass times at a catholic church near you? Download the FREE Catholic Mass Times app! Download it now if you are looking for a Live Catholic Mass near me

    In conclusion, the life and legacy of Saints Simon and Jude invite us to reflect on the importance of faith, community, and intercession in our spiritual lives. Celebrating their feast day on October 28 reminds us that, despite challenges and adversity, we can always find hope and comfort in prayer.

    As we go to their relics in St. Peter’s Basilica or other churches dedicated to them, pray that their example of courage and dedication will inspire each of us to follow their path, always seeking God’s guidance in our lives.

    You can use the Catholic Mass Times app to find the nearest Catholic church with Mass, Confession, and Adoration schedules. It will surely help you! Download it now.