SAINT JUDE

St. Jude, also known as Jude Thaddeus, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and is traditionally identified as the author of the Epistle of Jude in the New Testament. He is sometimes called Jude of James to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus.

Though little is recorded about his life in the Gospels, St. Jude is believed to have preached the Gospel in regions such as Mesopotamia, Syria, and Persia, often alongside the apostle Simon the Zealot. Tradition holds that he suffered martyrdom, likely by being beaten to death with a club or axe, which is why he is often depicted with that weapon in Christian art.

St. Jude is best known today as the patron saint of lost causes and desperate situations. This devotion likely grew because his name is similar to Judas Iscariot, and so he was often overlooked in prayer, making his intercession more “available.” As devotion to him grew, many reported powerful answers to prayer through his intercession.

He is commonly depicted:

• Holding an image of Christ (known as the Image of Edessa), recalling a legend that he brought a miraculous image of Jesus to King Abgar of Edessa.
• Carrying a club or axe, the instrument of his martyrdom.
• Wearing a green cloak or tunic, and often with a flame above his head, symbolizing his presence at Pentecost.

His feast day in the Roman Catholic Church is celebrated on October 28, along with St. Simon. St. Jude remains one of the most beloved saints, especially among those in desperate need of hope or healing.

16”x20” acrylic on wood. 
Prayerfully made by Stephen Hotchkiss. If unavailable please inquire about having a similar painting made.