Prayer to Saint Jude
Saint Jude the Apostle has been invoked for difficult causes since the 19th century. Feast: October 28; the novena begins October 19.
Also known as: Prayer to Saint Jude Thaddeus · Prayer for Desperate Cases
the name of the traitor has caused you to be forgotten by many,
but the Church honors and invokes you universally
as the patron of hopeless cases and of things almost despaired of.
Pray for me, who am so miserable.
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,
and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever.
Amen.
When to pray
In difficult causes and in the October novena.
Origin
Devotion to Saint Jude Thaddeus, an apostle of Jesus and patron of desperate causes, intensified from the 19th century onwards, particularly in Latin America and the United States. This popular prayer reflects faith in his intercession during times of great difficulty, invoking his special privilege to provide visible and prompt help. While not a formal liturgical prayer, it has become a cornerstone of popular piety, recited in novenas and moments of distress.
In other languages
Oração a São Judas Tadeu (Português) · Oración a San Judas Tadeo (Español) · Preghiera a San Giuda Taddeo (Italiano) · Modlitwa do św. Judy Tadeusza (Polski) · Panalangin kay San Judas Tadeo (Tagalog)