Saint Jude, also known as Jude Thaddeus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and a close relative of the Lord. He is widely venerated as the patron saint of desperate and seemingly impossible causes, renowned for his steadfast faith, courageous preaching of the Gospel, and martyrdom. His feast day is celebrated on October 28. Saint Jude is distinct from Judas Iscariot and is traditionally credited with authorship of the Epistle of Jude in the New Testament. He is commonly depicted with a flame above his head, symbolizing Pentecost, and with an image of Jesus.

Apostle: One of the original Twelve chosen by Jesus, Saint Jude shared closely in Christ’s ministry and is often called “the Apostle of the Impossible.”
Patron Saint: He is especially invoked as the patron saint of hope, desperate situations, and lost causes, turning hearts to God when all human help seems exhausted.

Identity: Also known as Thaddeus or “Jude of James,” he is carefully distinguished from Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus.

Family: Tradition holds that Saint Jude was a cousin of Jesus and the brother of Saint James the Less.

Legacy: According to tradition, Saint Jude preached the Gospel widely, authored the Epistle of Jude, and was martyred for his faith, likely in Armenia or Beirut.

Symbols: Saint Jude is often shown with a flame above his head, a carpenter’s ruler or staff, and an image of Christ—recalling the tradition that he carried an image of Jesus to King Abgar of Edessa, bringing him healing.