FEAST DAYS.
ST SIMON AND ST JUDE
The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude is celebrated on
October 28, honouring two of Jesus' Twelve Apostles. Though little is known
about their lives compared to some other Apostles, each has a distinct identity
and story in Christian tradition.
Saint Simon the Zealot
Simon is often called "the Zealot" to
distinguish him from Simon Peter. The term "Zealot" could imply he
was part of a Jewish revolutionary group opposing Roman occupation, showing his
initial zeal for Jewish nationalism before committing to Christ’s mission.
Tradition holds that he travelled as a missionary after Pentecost, possibly
reaching Persia (modern-day Iran), where he preached and ultimately met
martyrdom.
Saint Jude Thaddeus
Saint Jude, also known as Thaddeus, is best known as
the Apostle of "lost causes." In the Gospels, he is sometimes called
"Jude of James" or "Judas, not Iscariot," to distinguish
him from Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Christ. Tradition holds that he
evangelized in regions like Mesopotamia and Armenia. Saint Jude is believed to
be the author of the Epistle of Jude in the New Testament, a short but powerful
letter emphasizing perseverance and faith.
Why They Are Celebrated Together
The Church celebrates Saints Simon and Jude together partly because of their shared missionary journey, which tradition says ended in martyrdom around the same time and place, possibly Persia. They represent a commitment to spreading the Gospel despite risks, and both are revered for their role in building up the early Christian Church under challenging conditions. In Catholic tradition, Saint Jude is known as the patron saint of desperate or hopeless cases, giving him a particularly cherished place in the hearts of many. Both saints remind the faithful of the sacrifices made to spread the message of Christ and the power of perseverance in the face of trials.
NOVENA TO ST JUDE.
This novena can be prayed with deep trust, especially
during times of personal difficulty or when asking for a grace that feels
beyond reach. Many find comfort in knowing that St. Jude, as the patron saint
of difficult cases, is praying with and for them. It can also be prayed for
other people when we intercede for them.
Here is a traditional novena to St. Jude, usually
prayed for nine consecutive days, especially when facing difficult situations
or seeking hope in seemingly impossible cases.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit. Amen.
Daily Opening Prayer
Most 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 so helpless and alone. I
implore you to 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… State your intention 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 favour,
to always honour you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully
encourage devotion to you. Amen.
Daily Prayer to St. Jude
Saint Jude, Apostle of Christ and glorious martyr,
great intercessor in all difficult problems, today I turn to you with
confidence. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return, I promise to
make your name known and cause you to be invoked.
Now, state your intention again
St. Jude, pray for us and all who honour you and
invoke your aid. Amen.
Concluding Prayer
May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored,
glorified, loved, and preserved throughout the world, now and forever.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us.
St. Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us.
Recite three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys, and three
Glory Be prayers
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit. Amen.
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