Saint Jude is a very powerful intercessor, especially for impossible cases!
The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saint Jude Thaddeus on Oct. 28. He was one of Christ’s original 12 apostles during His earthly life. The Church reveres Saint Jude as “the patron saint of the impossible.”
Have you ever wondered why that is?
It is said that Jesus first appeared to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a 12th-century French abbot, mystic, and Doctor of the Church. He had multiple visions throughout his lifetime, one in which Jesus asked him “to accept Saint Jude as ‘The Patron Saint of the Impossible.'”
Saint Bernard held a deep devotion to Saint Jude throughout his life and venerated his relic. Saint Bernard’s devotion to Saint Jude was so great that he asked to be buried with the relic “as a sign of the reverence,” “noting that the apostle had helped him safeguard his purity.”
Saint Bridget, a 14th-century mother, wife, nun, and mystic, also had multiple visions of Jesus. Jesus said of Saint Jude in one of her visions, “In accordance with his surname, Thaddeus, the amiable or loving, he will show himself most willing to give help.”
In a second vision, Jesus told Saint Bridget to dedicate an altar in her church to Saint Jude. Jesus said, “The fifth altar…must be for Thaddeus who with the purity of his heart will undoubtedly conquer the devil.”
Let us ask Saint Jude for help in conquering the devil, especially when it seems impossible!
Prayer for Saint Jude’s intercession:
Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus,
the Church honors and invokes you universally,
as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of.
Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone.
Intercede with God for me that He may 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
(make your request here)
and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever.
I promise, O Blessed Saint Jude,
to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God
and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron,
and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen.