28/10/2025
HAPPY FEAST DAY,
SAINTS SIMON AND
JUDE THADDEUS,
Apostles of the Lord!
OCTOBER 28
Saints Simon and Jude Thaddeus – Apostles of Faith and Zeal
On October 28, the Church joyfully celebrates the feast of Saints Simon and Jude Thaddeus, two of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and witnesses of the Gospel. Their lives stand as radiant examples of faith, courage, and steadfast commitment to spreading the Good News in the face of trials and persecution.
Saint Simon the Zealot
Saint Simon, often called Simon the Zealot, earned his title either because of his passionate zeal for God’s law or his association with a Jewish movement that sought the liberation of Israel. Despite his fiery nature, Simon’s zeal was transformed by his encounter with Christ into a burning love for the Kingdom of God. Tradition tells us that he preached the Gospel in Egypt, Persia, and parts of Africa, bringing countless souls to Christ through his fervent witness and unwavering faith.
Saint Jude Thaddeus, Patron of Hope
Saint Jude, also known as Thaddeus, was a relative of Jesus and the brother of Saint James the Less. He is famously recognized as the Patron Saint of desperate and impossible causes, offering hope to those in despair. In the Gospel of John (14:22), Jude asked Jesus, “Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”—a question that reveals his deep longing for the whole world to experience Christ’s saving presence.
Jude’s Epistle, one of the shortest books in the New Testament, reflects his passionate defense of the faith against false teachings and his call for perseverance and mercy. His writings remind believers to “build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 1:20).
Their Shared Mission and Martyrdom
According to tradition, Saints Simon and Jude traveled together to Persia (modern-day Iran) to proclaim the Gospel. There, they endured persecution and were ultimately martyred for their faith. Their courage in dying for Christ stands as a powerful witness to the strength of conviction that comes from a life rooted in divine love.
Legacy of Faith and Intercession
Today, the faithful around the world turn to Saint Jude for hope in impossible situations and to Saint Simon for the grace of holy zeal in serving God. Their shared feast day invites Christians to rekindle their own apostolic spirit—to be courageous witnesses of truth and love in a world that still thirsts for Christ.
May Saints Simon and Jude Thaddeus intercede for us, that we may live with faith as bold as theirs, serve with love as selfless as theirs, and one day share in their eternal joy with the Lord.
Prayer:
O glorious Apostles, Saints Simon and Jude,
faithful followers of Christ and fearless preachers of His word,
intercede for us that we may remain steadfast in faith and rich in love.
Help us in our trials, and guide us to eternal life through your prayers.
Amen.
