10/28/2026
Today, October 28, we celebrate the feast of Saints Simon and Jude, two of the twelve men chosen by Jesus to follow Him and carry His message to the world.
Saint Simon is identified in Scripture as “Simon the Zealot.” Before following Christ, he was associated with the Zealots, a movement known for its desire for Jewish independence from Roman rule. His calling reminds us that Christ brings together people from very different backgrounds and calls them to something greater than themselves.
Saint Jude, also known as Jude Thaddeus, is our parish patron. You may notice that the Gospels sometimes refer to him by different names. Matthew and Mark call him Thaddeus, while Luke and John identify him as Judas (not Iscariot). These names are traditionally understood to refer to the same apostle. Thaddeus was likely a nickname or alternate name by which he was known, while Jude became the commonly used name to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus.
After the Resurrection and Pentecost, Saint Jude traveled as a missionary, preaching the Gospel in regions including Mesopotamia and Persia. He was eventually martyred for his faith, and his remains were brought to Rome, where relics associated with him are venerated at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Saint Jude is widely known as the patron saint of hopeless or lost causes. A popular tradition holds that because people associated his name with Judas Iscariot, they were less likely to seek his intercession unless it was of a dire nature! Over time, devotion to Saint Jude grew, particularly among those facing seemingly impossible situations.
He is often depicted in religious art with a flame above his head, representing the Holy Spirit descending upon the Apostles at Pentecost, and holding an image of Jesus. His patronage reminds us that no situation is beyond God’s power and that even when circumstances seem hopeless, we are never without hope in Christ.
Saints Simon and Jude, pray for us!
