St. Jude Thaddeus is universally revered as the Patron Saint of Impossible Causes, lost causes, and desperate situations. One of Jesus’ original twelve apostles, he is a beacon of hope for those facing trials that seem insurmountable, such as terminal illness and deep financial distress.
He was a relative of Jesus and is the author of the Epistle of Jude in the New Testament. He is strictly distinguished from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus.
Devotion to him was rare for centuries because people feared accidentally praying to the betrayer Judas due to their similar names. This led to a tradition that St. Jude is "eager" to help those who finally call on him in their most desperate hours.
Feast Day: His feast day is celebrated on October 28th.