Sts. Simon and Jude is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Simon the Zealot and Jude Thaddaeus were two of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. According to tradition, they preached together in Persia, where they were both martyred. Jude is the author of the Epistle of Jude and is popularly known as the patron saint of desperate causes and hopeless situations. The Church celebrates Sts. Simon and Jude's feast on 10-28.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of Sts. Simon and Jude as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering Sts. Simon and Jude for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of Sts. Simon and Jude
Simon the Zealot and Jude Thaddaeus were two of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. According to tradition, they preached together in Persia, where they were both martyred. Jude is the author of the Epistle of Jude and is popularly known as the patron saint of desperate causes and hopeless situations.
The vocation of Sts. Simon and Jude reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and Sts. Simon and Jude's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Lost causes, desperate situations (Jude); tanners (Simon)
Sts. Simon and Jude is honored as the patron saint of Lost causes, desperate situations (Jude); tanners (Simon). The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Lost causes have traditionally invoked Sts. Simon and Jude's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of Sts. Simon and Jude is grounded in the specific details of Jude's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor Sts. Simon and Jude in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor Sts. Simon and Jude and seek Jude's intercession:
On the Feast Day (10-28): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Jude's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Jude's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of Sts. Simon and Jude and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of Sts. Simon and Jude in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Jude, pray for us," draws Jude's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to Sts. Simon and Jude can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of Sts. Simon and Jude. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to Sts. Simon and Jude
O glorious Sts. Simon and Jude, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us Sts. Simon and Jude as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Jude's memory imitate Jude's virtues and one day share Jude's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sts. Simon and Jude in Art and Catholic Tradition
Sts. Simon and Jude has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with Sts. Simon and Jude in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Jude's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Jude's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if Sts. Simon and Jude is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about Sts. Simon and Jude: St. Jude became the patron of lost causes because people avoided praying to him, confusing his name with Judas Iscariot, so he was thought to be especially eager to help.
When praying before an image of Sts. Simon and Jude, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.