St. Jude, Patron Saint of Lost Causes

St. Jude

St. Jude is the Patron Saint of Lost Causes.

Here is a St. Jude prayer:

Oh, most holy apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, people honor and invoke you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of things most despaired of. Pray for me, for I am so hopeless and alone. Please bring me visible and speedy assistance. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (state your case) and that I may praise God with you always.

All prayers, whether to St. Jude or another saint, or to the Mary or Jesus, should be offered with the recognition that God’s will (rather than our own) is supreme. There is a certain amount of “letting go” that needs to take place, because we are not able to see things with the same perspective and wisdom as does God. We are the creatures, and He is the Creator. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus himself prayed, “Not my will, but thine.”

The above reflections I know may seem obvious to any thoughtful, spiritual person. But, honestly, in my own experience it’s rather shocking how easily I can fall back into assuming that God must surely see things the way I do. However, the truth is that the consolation I receive from prayer is directly related to how much I can get myself out of the way and truly turn things over to God.

That being said, for a long time St. Jude , also known as St. Jude Thaddeus, has been recognized as a heavenly friend who is very generous when a circumstance or situation is especially difficult. The many remarkable testimonies about St. Jude’s intercession are truly inspiring. In all kinds of circumstances, including health emergencies, marital discord, and dire financial problems, St. Jude has come to the aid of so many people.

A very interesting aspect of St. Jude’s intercession is that sometimes it seems the answer or aid comes at the last possible moment, or it may be that the answer or solution comes in a way that wasn’t at all expected or imagined.

I will note here that church tradition tells of a vision of St. Brigit of Sweden (1303-1373) in which Jesus encouraged her to turn to St. Jude in faith and confidence. Jesus told her, “He will show himself to be most willing to give you help.”

St. Jude’s feast day is October 28.