Open to the classified section of almost any newspaper and you'll find dozens of petitions and thank-yous to Saint Jude. Who is Saint Jude and what can he do for you?
A saint is a heavenly friend who, like earthly friends, can pray for living people. Unlike an earthly friend, however, a saint is much closer to God both logistically and spiritually; so it is believed that the prayers of a saint are very powerful. When a saint asks God for a favor on behalf of a living person, it’s called intercession. Catholics traditionally ask the saints to intercede with God on their behalf. The saints seem happy to oblige.
Who Is Saint Jude?
Jude, also know as the apostle Thaddeus, was both Jesus’ cousin and disciple. He is known as "the optimistic saint" because he brings hope whenever he is invoked.
Why Does Saint Jude Hold a Medallion?
In paintings, St Jude is almost always depicted as holding or wearing a medallion with a man's face on it. An ancient legend says that King Agbar of Edessa wrote to Jesus asking to be healed of leprosy. Jesus replied that although he would not be able to come, he would send one of his apostles. To console the king in his absence, Jesus pressed a cloth to his face and left a perfect image of his face on the fabric. The apostle Jude took the cloth to Edessa and healed King Abgar. In works of art, the image of the cloth was eventually replaced by a medallion.
Why Is Saint Jude The Saint of Hopeless Causes?
It’s possible that early Christians confused poor Jude with Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, and so no one wanted to pray to him for intercession. As a result, the unfairly shunned Jude might have became doubly eager and may have worked doubly hard to please anyone who came to him for help.
What Can Saint Jude Do for Me?
Anyone who has been led down the wrong spiritual path can petition Saint Jude for help getting back on track. He is, after all, the author of Jude, a book in the New Testament which warns about false teachers and cautions believers about being spiritually led astray. Jude is also the patron saint of hopeless causes; so anyone who is in a desperate situation may call on him for help.
How to Pray Saint Jude’s Novena
Petition Saint Jude by writing out your wish or your hopeless situation. Place the paper in a prominent place where you will see it every day. Then, every day for nine days speak your request aloud, along with either the official Saint Jude Novena,or with something similar like this contemporary prayer:
Dear St. Jude, Please help me with my desperate situation (name it), please give me hope and confidence that my situation will improve. I ask that you use your infinite wisdom and mercy to intercede on my behalf. Amen.
At the end of the nine days, publicly thank Saint Jude for his assistance. For more information on Saint Jude, visit Saint Jude Shrine.
The copyright of the article Heavenly Help: Saint Jude's Novena in Catholic Saints is owned by Francine Morrissette. Permission to republish Heavenly Help: Saint Jude's Novena in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Thank you St. Jude for answering my prayer. My husband will start his new
job on Monday. D.A.L
Sep 9, 2008 11:22 AM
Guest :
Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers. They have not yest been
answered, but I have trust and faith that things will right themselves and
I will continue to pray for a caring man who is under stress and that he
finds stability in life and sees how important our friendship is to me.
Sep 15, 2008 1:01 PM
Guest :
Thank you, again, St. Jude. My daughter did get hired and starts next
Monday. This is the 4th time that you really came through for our family.
AS a matter of fact, I don't think you have ever let us down. We don't ask
unless it is extremely important and seemingly impossible.
Sep 19, 2008 5:30 AM
Guest :
Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayer in our time of suffering.
Between the loss of my son and my husband's unemployment we ask for your
help that he find a job soon. I am faithful with your assistance our lives
will become fulfilling again. Colleen
Jan 26, 2009 1:07 PM
Guest :
Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers. I am hopeful that you will
help me find employment so I may support my family...this is a desperate
time for us. Theresa
Jan 26, 2009 1:16 PM
tveaux :
Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers. I have not yet seen
improvement but am faithful that your help will come with employment so I
may support my family. This is a desperate time.
Jan 27, 2009 10:23 AM
Guest :
Thank you St. Jude for answering my prayers. I have prayed to you in the
past and truly received a miracle. I humbly come to you again for your
assistance in a painful situation and with faith in my heart, I know my
prayers will be answered. Diane
Jan 28, 2009 7:00 PM
Guest :
Help me St Jude in my time of need, and thank you for the many blessings
you have given me.
Jan 30, 2009 3:32 PM
Guest :
Thank you St Jude. I feel that my prayers have not yet been answered, but I
know and have faith in my heart that through your divine help and with the
help of God, all things will fall into place as they should. Only you and
God can best know how to answer my prayers.
Feb 2, 2009 7:12 AM
Guest :
Thank you St.Jude for the favors you have granted.
Feb 8, 2009 8:24 PM
Guest :
St Jude please listen to my prayers and humbly bring them to out Lord, I
ask that my prayers ar answered swiftly to that my husband can once again
support the family. RLK
Feb 10, 2009 12:02 PM
Guest :
Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers throughout this difficult
time. Though my prayers have not yet been answered, I believe that you and
God know what is best for me and will help me get over the heartache and
sorrow I have been feeling over my breakup with my soulmate.
Feb 13, 2009 4:29 AM
Guest :
Dear St Jude
Thank you for assisting me in my relationship with
P. I now ask that you please help me in finding a new job in the area I
live in as soon as possible. Thank you St Jude for your kindness and
intercession in my life. Amen.
Feb 14, 2009 5:12 AM
Guest :
Thank you Saint Jude for some good test results for my husband.
Today is the 9th day and I am confident that today's results, perhaps the
most important, will be good.I am confident that everything will be ok and
that my prayers will be answered.E
Feb 23, 2009 6:02 PM
Guest :
Thank you St. Jude. I am not the type who always thinks of prayer. For the
first time in my life I found it difficult to find a job. I could not pay
my bills and felt embarassed and at the end of my rope. I turned to the St.
Jude Novena and within 9 days I found a job that I can build on. I am very
greatful and pray that everyone else receives the good fortune I have
received. Thank you St. Jude and all others who interceded for me- from the
bottom of my heart. Suzanne G.
Feb 27, 2009 3:49 PM
Guest :
I've prayed the novena recently and am quietly waiting, but twice before I
believe my prayer was answered. So thanks in advance are offered that I
come to see what it is I need to find.
Mar 12, 2009 8:09 PM
cali_vista :
Thank you St. Jude for answering my prayers. I am so grateful for your
intervention! Mary
Mar 13, 2009 7:53 AM
Guest :
its a powerful prayer and as i continue to call upon the saint, i believe
my request has been granted, Thank you lord, Thank st.jude for answering my
prayer.
Mar 19, 2009 4:38 PM
Guest :
St. Jude Please help my daughter get a job. She is in deperate need.
Please hear my prayers.
Mar 22, 2009 9:35 AM
Guest :
Thank you Saint Jude for prayers answered RFD
Mar 28, 2009 4:03 AM
Guest :
Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers. I am confident that my
husband will find a job that he loves and that I will gain control over
stress and my eating. Monica
Mar 29, 2009 10:36 PM
Guest :
Pray for my daughter St. Jude. She is in desperate need of faith and hope
in her life. She is a teen who sees no meaning in her life and we have
done all we can to try and help her. Our prayers continue but now we turn
to you for your prayers in this our desperate need.
Mar 30, 2009 9:14 AM
Guest :
Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers. I ask for you help for my
son's struggle in coming to terms with being adopted without so much anger
in his heart. I also ask for your help in my struggle to find employment.
Through your intercession, I believe with all my heart that the suffering
and heartache we are experiencing will be lessened.
Apr 9, 2009 1:27 PM
Guest :
Thank you St. Jude for listening to my prayers, although they have not yet
been asnwered, I have been given optimism and trust that things will right
them selves. I will continue to pray for my husband who is under
tremendous stress and anxiety with possibly loosing his job. I know that
you will continue to pray for me too.
Apr 11, 2009 11:27 AM
Guest :
Thank you, St. Jude, for preserving my job during a time of economic
upheaval -- thank you always.
Apr 14, 2009 7:34 PM
Guest :
St. Jude, You always listen and provide assistance in desperate times.
Thank you for the intervention. Please continue to help my daughter.
AP
Apr 14, 2009 7:34 PM
Guest :
St. Jude, You always listen and provide assistance in desperate times.
Thank you for the intervention. Please continue to help my daughter.
AP
Apr 15, 2009 3:13 PM
Guest :
Thank you St. Jude for answering my prayer. I am grateful for the help you
have given me in the past. I really believe in your power and humbly than
you for this miracle. Thank you God for looking after me and my family
when we most need you help. I will continue my prayer to you as I always
believe in you. I love you. pab
Apr 21, 2009 1:49 PM
Guest :
Novena To St. Jude 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 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 St. 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 PRAYER May the Most Sacred Heart of
Jesus be adored, and loved in all the tabernacles until the end of time.
Amen. May the most Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised and glorified now
and forever. Amen St. Jude pray for us and hear our prayers. Amen. Blessed be the Sacred Heart of Jesus Blessed be the Immaculate Heart
of Mary Blessed be St. Jude Thaddeus, in all the world and for all
Eternity. (say this prayer, followed by the Our Father and the Hail
Mary)
Apr 23, 2009 8:26 AM
Guest :
St. Jude, you have answered our prayers, and know will continue to, my
husband still has his job and has actually has an interview this Friday, I
continue to pray to you that you look over us and ultimately help him stay
in his current position.
Apr 24, 2009 3:20 PM
Guest :
St. Jude, I have fallen into trouble with my new job. Prey for me that my
boss and owner of the company keep me employed, That they get me my OAS
card back to me, and that I have a good season. Let them be pleased with me
and thankful that they took the chances with me. I need your help...
Apr 24, 2009 3:23 PM
Guest :
St. Jude,
Heal my wife and save our marrage by giving her the
feeling she needs and deserves...
Apr 26, 2009 7:23 PM
Guest :
St. Jude, Thank you for listening to my prayers. I continue to wait
for your intervention on behalf of my daughter. You have always come
through.
AP
Apr 27, 2009 5:48 AM
Guest :
Thank you St Jude ,I am humbled by your love and goodness ,you have always
been at my side. I pray sincerely that my prayers be answered though I am
not worthy .MMB
Apr 29, 2009 6:54 AM
Guest :
Thank you St Jude for answering my prayer. I somewhat suffer from social
anxiety which makes me really nervous around people and because of this, i
fear that i may "lose control" of myself, actions etc. and that
everyone's watching my every move. Today on my way to school on the bus, i
felt that way and usually when this happens, i would ring my confidant up
to talk as itreally calms me however, it seemed like she was not picking my
call up so i prayed to St Jude to let her do so because i could not take
the anxiety building up in me and shortly after, she picked it up! In the
end, i felt so much better!
Apr 29, 2009 6:54 AM
Guest :
Thank you St Jude
Apr 29, 2009 8:00 PM
Guest :
Thank you St. Jude for always answering my prayers in the past. Please
continue to intercede for me as I struggle against depression and anxiety.
I am deeply concerned for the health of my parents as well and I ask you to
watch over them. Thank you, MJN
May 4, 2009 8:56 AM
Guest :
Dear St. Jude: I am becoming desperate in my search for a new job.
Can you please help me get the wonderful job I interviewed for last
Thursday. I know I could be extremely happy there. Thank you so
much.
May 12, 2009 9:33 AM
Guest :
Thank you St Jude and God for all the help you have given me. Thank you
also for bringing me and my classmates closer and also for being able to
befriend a girl in my class whom i had difficulties in interacting with her
previously.
May 15, 2009 2:55 PM
Guest :
St Jude, Thank you, because in the past you have helped me
tremendously. I want to thank you for that publicly. I am in a very
difficult and almost impossible situation right now. I am almost done with
your novena. Please, help Brett find the strengh in his heart to forgive
me. Let his doubts all be turned into faith in our relationship. Please
give us our relationship back give us another opportunity without all the
doubts with each other and with the blessings of more love, care, trust and
passion tha we need and I seek through you. Please help us.
May 20, 2009 4:08 PM
Guest :
St.Jude I have prayed my 9 day Novena & it's been a week
since...and my husband still has no job! I have faith in you & beg you
to please help my family get thru this difficult situation! Please
HELP my husband get either his job back or a new job! I HAVE FAITH IN
YOU & WILL START A NEW 9 DAY NOVENA!!!
May 21, 2009 9:30 AM
Guest :
Thank you saint Jude for answering my prayer, you have answered my prayers
in many life changing events and i have never thanked you in Public. My
heartfelt and sincere thanks to you for all the graces. i pray that i can
find a job soon. - CJ
May 24, 2009 11:37 AM
Guest :
Guest;Thank you St.Jude answering my prayes.Donna
May 26, 2009 7:41 AM
Guest :
Thank you Saint Jude, for answering my prayers. Although this will take
time, I can see your assistance on a daily basis and will continue to pray
for a speedy conclusion to my need for work and money to pay my bills. JE
May 31, 2009 12:45 AM
Guest :
Dear St Jude, thank you for interceding for me to God to let me get an A
floristry. All along i only had gotten Bs and 1 C. However, partly due to
moderation which could bring my grades down, i needed an A and also,
besides that i had wanted one badly as well. So when i brought my piece to
let it be graded, i silently prayed to St Jude to intercede to God to let
me get an A and i really did! Thank you St Jude also for interceding to God
to let my friend and I sort of patch up after having a miscommunication
with her. Due to my "social anxiety" which sometimes overwhelms
me and causes me to act rather avoidant, i think i could have gave out the
wrong signal to her, probably offending her. However, now we're ok with
each other.
Jun 3, 2009 4:26 AM
Guest :
Thank you, Saint Jude. I can see your visible assistanve in getting
this interview. I have faith that you will be with me and that things will
work out.
JE
Jun 3, 2009 9:09 AM
Guest :
Thank you St Jude for interceding to God to let me have a good day in
school with my friends today altogether.
Jun 10, 2009 1:40 PM
Guest :
Thank you St. Jude. One day after my novena ended, I received a freelance
job offer. I was praying for a new job! It may not be full time, but god
works in mysterious ways.
Thank you! A.K.
Jun 11, 2009 10:44 AM
Guest :
St. Jude: I have started a novena today in desperate hopes that you
can intercede for me with Jesus and God to save my marriage. Help my
husband see the woman he fell in love with and come back home. Please help
him remember how much we love eachother. Please save us from divorce. I
want to build a life with him and our son. Please help me make the
necessary changes to bring back the love, trust, and passion into our
marriage. I have full faith that you will grant this request.I will publish
a thanks to you and for others to become awae of your power when my prayer
is answered. Thank you for listening to me. Please help us. Michelle
Jun 11, 2009 12:38 PM
Guest :
Thank you St Jude for interceding on my behalf. The Lord has answered my
prayers and I am so grateful for your help.
Jun 16, 2009 10:41 PM
Guest :
St. Jude I pray to you that my husband finds a rewarding job. I have faith
that you will answer my prayers. Thank you. Ann-Marie
Jul 13, 2009 11:30 PM
Guest :
Thank you Jesus and St. Jude for interceding on my son's behalf. We were
so worried about the outcome of his situation. Thank you for listening and
answering our many requests over the years.
Jul 21, 2009 2:35 PM
Guest :
thank you saint jude for listening to me. i am not truly worthy, but i am
hoping for your intercession to help me become strong. thank you saint jude
for everything that you do.
Jul 23, 2009 1:25 PM
Guest :
Please saint jude help me with the electric bill problem i cant have it shut off I need the money to pay for it. I have been praying for
3 weeks now and have had no help pleae please intercide for me,i need
help to keep from ending my life over this 13
Aug 10, 2009 8:12 AM
Guest :
Thank you Jesus and St. Jude for a clean bill of health! I also see my
husbands work situation improving and know that it is just a matter of
time. My prayers, as always, hve been answered. JB
Aug 12, 2009 10:22 AM
Guest :
Please help me St Jude. To please let me get the the money that i need to
get home to my family and to be able to pay my bills. I do not want to be
left in this town. And to please continue to give me the strength to get my
life in order.
Aug 20, 2009 5:48 AM
Guest :
Thank you Saint Jude for answering my prayers. I have received 3 miracles
by your intercession. JW
Aug 22, 2009 2:02 AM
Guest :
I've prayed the St Jude novena recently and I am patiently waiting, andI
believe my prayer will be answered. So I thank you in advance for the
mental health of my auntand please grant me this miracle and i shall be
always faithfull to you
Aug 29, 2009 6:29 PM
Guest :
Thank you St. Jude for answering my prayer request. You came to my aid
again and I thank you.
Aug 29, 2009 6:30 PM
Guest :
Thank you St. Jude for answering my prayer request. You came to my aid
again and I thank you.
Sep 8, 2009 11:14 PM
Guest :
Dear St Jude, thank you for interceding to God to let my O Level
certificate be found with my mother and not thrown away which i thought it
was by accident months ago. Thank you God for hearing this intercession
too. Also, thank you St Jude and God for improving my relationship with two
of my friends further. It has progressed yet once more!
Sep 30, 2009 8:05 AM
Guest :
Thank you, St Jude, for prayers answered. PKM, Toronto
Oct 11, 2009 5:37 AM
Guest :
Thank you Saint Jude. I am patiently awaiting to find out if my prayers of
having a child will be answered. I know my husband and I don't have good
odds, but it would be wonderful if you can help us beat the odds. We are
loving people and have much love to give to our child. You haven't failed
me in the past and I pray that you will once again come through. Thank you Nicole T.
Oct 22, 2009 10:33 AM
Guest :
Please Saint Jude, let my biopsy results be negative. Please let me be
healthy. I thank you for your prayers.
Oct 23, 2009 2:37 AM
Guest :
Dear Saint Jude, thank you for interceding to God today and let the
relationships i share with each of my three friends improve and also to
give me and us (specifically me and the two of the girls) the opportunity
to improve our relations. Today, just as we were waiting for the bus home,
S and i had a great time discussing stuff and throughout the day the both
of us had also made small conversations here and there, which went pretty
well. Also, the other girl, C and i had definitely interacted more than
usual today and i also shared with the third friend small but good
conversations. Also, thank you Saint Jude for interceding to God and Jesus
to let me have a smooth day at school today. Thank You God and Jesus for
hearing and ansering Saint Jude's intercessions for me.
Thank you St. Jude for bringing Maria to us. Forgive us all, especially
me, for doubting it could happen. Your intercession is so powerful. Thank
you!
Nov 2, 2009 6:19 AM
Guest :
Thank you Saint Jude for hearing my petitions for letting me be able to
finally open my school mail after a long time failing to do so, so i am
able to check for any assignment notice and not get my group members into
trouble for any unfinished assignment. Thank You God for answering this
petiton of mine through the intercession of Saint Jude. Thank You.
Nov 2, 2009 9:12 AM
Guest :
Thank-You St Jude for answering my prayer. The nodule in my neck is benign!
Thank You Thank You Thank You!I thank you for praying to the lord on my
behalf! I love you St Jude!
