Novena to St. Jude
Patron Saint of Hopeless and Desperate Cases
St. Jude Thaddeus, one of the twelve Apostles, is known as the patron saint of hopeless cases and desperate situations. When all seems lost—when doctors have no answers, when finances are impossible, when relationships seem beyond repair—Catholics turn to St. Jude.
This powerful novena has brought hope to countless souls in their darkest moments. St. Jude's feast day is October 28.
"Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you." — Jude 1:1-2
About St. Jude
St. Jude Thaddeus was one of Jesus' twelve Apostles, sometimes called "Judas of James" to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot. He is the author of the Epistle of Jude in the New Testament.
Why "Patron of Hopeless Cases"? Because his name was similar to Judas Iscariot, the betrayer, early Christians avoided praying to St. Jude. People only turned to him when they had exhausted all other options—truly hopeless cases. St. Jude proved such a powerful intercessor that he became known as the saint of last resort.
Patronage: Hopeless cases, desperate situations, hospitals, lost causes, the Chicago Police Department
Novena to St. Jude - Complete Prayer
Pray once daily for nine consecutive days
Opening Prayer
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hope. Please intercede on my behalf.
Make use of that particular privilege given to you to bring hope, comfort, and help where they are needed most. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven as I work with my challenges, particularly:
(State your intention here)
I praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Jude
O most holy apostle, St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of His enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many.
But the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of things despaired of. Pray for me who am so miserable.
Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege accorded 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 consolations and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly:
(State your intention)
And that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity.
I promise you, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you.
Amen.
Closing Prayers
Our Father: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
St. Jude, pray for us and for all who invoke your aid.
When to Pray This Novena
The Novena to St. Jude can be prayed at any time, but is especially appropriate for:
- Desperate financial situations
- Serious illness when doctors offer little hope
- Broken relationships that seem beyond repair
- Lost jobs and unemployment
- Addiction and recovery
- Legal troubles
- Depression and mental health struggles
- Any situation where you've lost hope
Many people time this novena to end on October 28, St. Jude's feast day.
Answered Prayers Through St. Jude
"After months of unemployment and hundreds of rejected applications, I prayed this novena. On day 8, I received a call for an interview. By day 9, I had a job offer. St. Jude heard my prayers."
— Michael R.
"My mother was given weeks to live. Our family prayed the St. Jude novena together. That was three years ago. She's still with us today."
— Teresa L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Jude the same as Judas Iscariot?
No. St. Jude Thaddeus was a faithful Apostle, cousin of Jesus, and author of the Epistle of Jude. Judas Iscariot was the traitor. They share a name (Judas/Jude) but are completely different people.
Why do people publish "thank you" notices to St. Jude?
It's a tradition to publicly thank St. Jude after receiving his intercession. Many people promised to publish their thanks if their prayer was answered. You'll often see these notices in Catholic newspapers and church bulletins.
Can I pray to St. Jude for others?
Absolutely. You can pray the novena for anyone facing a desperate situation—family members, friends, or even strangers in need.