St. Simon and St. Jude

O God, who by the blessed Apostles have brought us to acknowledge your name, graciously grant, through the intercession of St. Simon & St. Jude that the Church may constantly grow by increase of the people who believe in you.

St. Simon and St. Jude, two of the lesser-known apostles, are celebrated together on October 28th in the Catholic Church. While their names are not as prominent as Peter or John, their dedication to Christ and tireless evangelization remind us that every disciple has a unique and indispensable role in God’s plan. These two saints, often invoked as patrons of desperate and seemingly hopeless causes, inspire us with their steadfast faith, courage, and perseverance.

Who Were St. Simon and St. Jude?

St. Simon, also known as Simon the Zealot, was a member of the radical Jewish sect known as the Zealots before he became a follower of Jesus. The Zealots were known for their fierce dedication to the Jewish Law and their opposition to Roman rule. When Simon encountered Jesus, his fervor was transformed into zeal for the Kingdom of God. Little is known about his life after the resurrection, but tradition holds that Simon traveled far and wide, preaching the Gospel, and eventually suffered martyrdom.

St. Jude, also called Thaddeus, is often confused with Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Christ. This confusion has led to St. Jude being relatively obscure and rarely invoked in prayer. However, because of this, he has become the patron of hopeless cases—those who feel forgotten or ignored. St. Jude is known for his deep faith and the powerful message of his epistle in the New Testament, which encourages Christians to persevere in the face of adversity and to hold fast to the teachings of Christ.

Their Mission and Martyrdom

Tradition tells us that after Pentecost, St. Simon and St. Jude went forth as missionary partners, spreading the Gospel message to Persia (modern-day Iran) and other distant lands. They encountered many challenges and dangers as they fearlessly proclaimed the faith to those who had never heard of Christ. Their preaching bore much fruit, and they are credited with converting many people to Christianity.

Their mission, however, ended in martyrdom. St. Simon and St. Jude gave their lives for the faith, becoming witnesses—literally “martyrs”—to the truth and power of the Gospel. The details of their deaths are uncertain, but they are believed to have been martyred together, solidifying their bond not only in life but also in their ultimate sacrifice for Christ.

Their Legacy and Patronage

St. Simon and St. Jude are reminders that God often chooses unlikely people to accomplish great things. Their courage in spreading the Gospel in hostile territories and their perseverance through trials serve as powerful testimonies to the transformative power of Christ’s love.

St. Jude, in particular, is venerated as the patron of lost and desperate causes. Many people turn to him in times of great need, seeking his intercession when situations seem beyond hope. His patronage invites us to approach God with faith and trust, even in the darkest moments of our lives.

Steadfast Faith

St. Simon and St. Jude challenge us to live our faith boldly, even when we feel unknown or unrecognized. Their feast day is an invitation to reflect on our own roles as disciples of Christ and to trust that God can work through us, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant our contributions may appear.

May St. Simon and St. Jude inspire us to remain hopeful, courageous, and steadfast in our faith. As we remember their lives of sacrifice and service, let us ask for their intercession in our own challenges, confident that with God, no situation is ever truly hopeless.

St. Simon and St. Jude, pray for us!