Feast of St. Jude

Today is the Feast of St. Jude, patron of those with hopeless problems and desperate cases. I heard mass this morning and through Bishop Raul Martires' sermon, picked up a few things about St. Jude.

First, I discovered that he is the same person as Thaddeus. Thus, he is also called St. Jude Thaddeus or St. Jude of Thaddeus. His real name is Judas so Jesus actually had 2 apostles who were named Judas -- Judas Iscariot (the one who betrayed Jesus) and Judas Thaddeus who is now known as St. Jude.

Bishop Martires had a cute story about St. Jude. He relates that in the earlier days, not many people would ask for the intercession of St. Jude. So St. Jude was just scribbling away in heaven one day, as no one was asking for his help. Jesus then saw him and said: "Do you know why no one asks for your help? It's because they associate you with the other Judas -- the traitor. But do not despair. I will give you a special task. You will now take care of those with desperate cases." And that is a cute story on how it came to be that St. Jude became the patron of hopeless cases.

Looking for a Prayer to St. Jude? Here it is (taken from my mother's treasure trove of prayers -- you name the saint, she probably has the prayer):

"Most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use I implore you, of that particular privilege given to 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 (here make your request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen."