SAINT JUDE-HELPER IN GREAT NEED

HISTORY ACCORDING TO TRADITION

DEVOTION to the holy apostles should be cherished because they were the first teachers of our Faith. During the Middle Ages the Apostles were held in high veneration, but in our materialistic age this devotion has greatly declined, though veneration to St. Jude Thaddeus has been revived in recent years.

St. Jude is called the patron of hopeless and desperate cases, owing to singular help he has obtained for his clients in grave necessities.

This holy Apostle bears the surname 'Thaddeus (meaning the amiable, loving), which distinguishes him from Judas Iscariot, the traitor. Besides the Apostle James the Less, Jude had two other brothers, who together with himself are called the 'brethren of Jesus, which in Hebrew signifies a near relationship. His father was Cleophas, who was probably a brother of St. Joseph. Because of his fearless confession of the resurrection of Christ, Cleophas was put to death by the Jews and thus won the crown of martydom. The mother of our Apostle was Mary of Cleophas, a cousin of the Blessed Virgin, who with Mary stood by the Cross of Jesus on Calvary.

In his boyhood, Jude and his brothers must have been close companions of Jesus. No mention is made of Jude's occupation before his call to the apostolate, but we may judge that he was a farmer, since he belonged to the Tribe of Juda, which was devoted to farming.

From the time Jude was chosen an Apostle, he laboured with untiring zeal, particularly for the conversion of the Gentiles.

CURE OF THE KING OF EDESSA

St. Jude is usually represented wearing a picture of Our Lord on his breast. This custom stems from the following tradition: Abagaro, King of Edessa, who was afflicted with leprosy, hearing of Our Lord's miracles, sent a messenger begging Jesus to come and cure him. Being unable, at the time, to gratify his request, Our Lord sent word that He would send someone later to cure him. The king, anxious at least to have an image of the great Wonder-worker, sent an artist to make a portrait of Him; but the artist, blinded by the splendour of our Saviour's face, was unable to carry out his mission. Whereupon Our Lord, in loving compassion, pressed a cloth to His face and impressed His features upon it. The artist carried this to his sovereign, who received it with great joy.

When, af ter Our Lord's Ascension, St. Jude went to Edessa, he healed Abagaro of his frightful disease, and by his eloquent presentation of the truths of the Gospel, converted the king and his whole household, as well as many of his subjects.

CONVERSION OF BARBARIANS

After firmly establishing the Church in Edessa, St. Jude visited the whole of Mesopotamia, preaching the Gospel and everywhere increasing the number of the faithful. Having returned to Jerusalem for the Council of the Apostles, he afterwards joined St. Simon in Libya, where the two Apostles spread the light of the Gospel. Then they set out for Persia where God gave them an abundant harvest. It is impossible to compute the number converted or to describe the change in the manners and customs of that savage people.

Before the arrival of the two Apostles, the laws and habits of the Persians were unjust and wicked. The marriage tie was totally disregarded; the dead were thrown into the fields to become the food of wild beasts, and other barbarities prevailed. Taught by the Apostles the noble and generous sentiments of the true religion, these people soon became the admiration of other Christians. Barbarity was replaced by gentleness, cruelty by Christian charity, impiety by evangelical perfection.

APOSTOLIC LABOURS IN PERSIA

In Persia, the two Apostles were continually thwarted in their work by two magicians named Zaroes and Arfaxat. By their art and incantations these magicians tried to uphold the worship of idols. At every step they confronted the Apostles and denounced them as impostors, but the two saints invariably exposed their tricks and impostures. In the presence of the two holy Apostles, the idols refused to answer their false priests. When the Apostles, in the name of God, commanded them to speak, they were forced to acknowledge the saints as the disciples of the true God. The saints then ordered the demons inhabiting the idols to quit them, which they did, howling with rage and shattering the images.

The two Apostles set out for the camp of Verardach, commander-in-chief of the Persian army, where they were met by the same magicians, Zaroes and Arfaxat. The Persians were then preparing to march against an army from India, and Verardach was anxious to know what the outcome of the war wouldbe. 'We know you are more powerful than our gods, he said to the Apostles, 'for at your approach the idols fell to the ground. After the war is over, we will gladly listen to your teaching. Tell us what the result of the war will be.

The Apostles commanded the demons to answer. Questioned by their priests, the idols replied that the war would be long and many would perish.

'Fear not, O Prince, your gods lie: joyfully exclaimed the two Apostles. 'Tomorrow, at this same hour, ambassadors will arrive fromyour enemy to conclude negotiations of peace.

On the following day the ambassadors from India arrived at the hour designated by the two saints, and terms of peace were agreed upon. The Prince, indignant at the false prophecies of the wicked magicians, ordered them to be burned alive, and likewise all who maligned the holy Apostles. But Saints Simon and Jude interceded with the commander, and the punishment was averted.

Filled with admiration for the two Apostles, Prince Verardach conducted them to the King of Persia. Here they also performed miracles to frustrate the wicked designs of the same magicians, who had preceded them there. Everywhere great numbers were converted to the Faith. In all the towns and villages traversed by Saints Simon and Jude, they found that the magicians had gone before them to prejudice and incite the people against them; but at the approach of the Apostles, the impostors invariably fled.

Once a number of idolatrous priests assembled before their king, bringing the two Apostles for condemnation. The priests held charmed serpents in their hands and set them loose upon the Apostles. The snakes, however, turning upon the priests, encircled and bit them until the Apostles commanded the reptiles to cease. Some serpents were laid on the ground and the Apostles were commanded to take them up. They did so, and held them to their breasts beneath their mantles without being bitten. The priests were then told to take up the snakes. When they took hold of them, the reptiles bit their hands and curled around them, causing the priests to cry out in terror. At the sight of this wonder, many people were converted, and the king also embraced the Christian Faith.

MARTYRDOM

The fact that numberless souls were brought to accept the true religion by St. Jude aroused the hatred of unbelievers and secured for the holy Apostle the crown of martyrdom. Authorities differ as to the manner of his death. Tradition states that he was beaten with clubs and his head cleft with a broadax.

His body was brought to Rome and is now honoured in St. Peter's Basilica. Pope Paul III, in a Brief dated September 22, 1548, granted a plenary indulgence to all who visited his tomb on his feast, which is celebrated on October 28. This shows that devotion to St. Jude flourished in the Middle Ages, for the grant of a plenary indulgence was then very rare. Though the body of the holy Apostle rests in St. Peter's in Rome, his helpful, living charity is diffused throughout the world, and in every country people experience his wonderful aid in difficulties and trials of the most helpless nature.

St. Jude seems to have been among the last of the twelve Apostles to die for his Master, as he implies by the 17th verse of his Epistle: 'Beloved, be mindful of the words that have been spoken beforehand by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. His Epistle is in keeping with the amiable disposition which tradition ascribes to him. 'Beloved, build up yourselves upon your most holy Faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto life everlasting (1, 20-21).

Though the Epistle of St. Jude is one of the shortest in the New Testament, it is remarkable for the strength and grandeur of its language. It applies clearly to the eventful times in which we now live. The profound humility of St. Jude shines forth in a singular manner. Far from calling himself a relative of Jesus, though he was such, St. Jude terms himself a servant of Jesus Christ.

POWERFUL HELPER IN EXTREME NEED

St. Jude Thaddeus shows his special help and protection in circumstances deemed most difficult and desperate. Thus he has become universally known as the 'Patron of hopeless and desperate cases.

St. Jude has obtained recovery for those stricken with maladies which defied all human skill and remedies; he has obtained grace to overcome deeply-rooted evil habits-those afflictions of the soul which are far more difficult to cure than any bodily ailment. Because of his own love for purity, and his zealous care in preserving it, he has come to be regarded as a special protector of this holy virtue. Not only does he help pure souls to retain their purity, but he also speedily aids those assailed by impure thoughts and enslaved by impure habits.

The holy Apostle obtains help in anguish, distress, calumny, poverty, misery, yes, even in despair and in circumstances where aid seems utterly impossible. In return, he demands our confidence, love and gratitude. If our requests are not immediately granted precisely according to our own ideas and wishes, they surely will be, sooner or later, according to the designs of God.

A shining example of veneration of this holy Apostle is given us by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, who during his whole life highly honoured a relic of St. Jude. When he died, St. Bernard asked that the relic be placed upon his breast and buried with him, that he might not be entirely without him whom in life he had found to be a powerful protector of his purity and a potent helper in every circumstance.

All who are in tribulation should be filled with confidence in the intercession of St. Jude, for the miraculous virtue of our prayer proceeds from confidence, the saints tell us. St. Jude is the helper, the consoler of all oppressed with heavy trials.

St. Jude, pray for us,

And for all who invoke thine aid.

THE EPISTLE OF ST. JUDE THE APOSTLE

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ and the brother of James, to the called who have been loved in God the Father and preserved for Christ Jesus: mercy and peace and charity be given you in abundance.

Beloved, while I was making every endeavour to write you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you, exhorting you to contend earnestly for the Faith, once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have stealthily entered in who long ago were marked for this condemnation, ungodly men who turn the grace of God into wantonness and disown our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

But 1 desire to remind you, though once for all you have come to know all things, that Jesus, who saved the people from the land of Egypt, the next time destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels also who did not preserve their original state, but forsook their abode, He has kept in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgement of the great day. Just as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the neighbouring cities which like them committed sins of immorality and practised unnatural vice, have been made an example, undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.

In like manner do these men also defile the flesh, disregard authority, deride majesty. Yet when Michael the Archangel was fiercely disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, he did not venture to bring against him an accusation of blasphemy, but said, 'May the Lord rebuke thee. But these men deride whatever they do not know; and the things they know by instinct, like dumb beasts, become for them a source of destruction. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, and have rushed on thoughtlessly into the error of Balaam for the sake of gain, and have perished in the rebellion of Core. These men are stains on their feasts, banqueting together, without fear, looking after themselves, clouds without water, carried about by the winds; trees in the fall, unfruitful, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars for whom the storm of darkness has been reserved forever.

Now of these also, Henoch, theseventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, 'Behold, the Lord has come with thousands of His holy ones to execute judgement upon all and to convict all the impious of their impious works, and all the hard things that impious sinners have spoken against Him: These are grumbling murmurers walking according to their lusts. And haughty in speech, they cultivate people for the sake of gain. But as for you, beloved, be mindful of the words that have been spoken beforehand by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ who kept saying to you that at the end of time there will come scoffers, walking impiously according to their desires. These are they who set themselves apart, sensual men, not having the Spirit.

But as for you, beloved, build up yourselves upon your most holy Faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto life everlasting. And some, who are judged, reprove; but others, save, snatching them from the fire. And to others be merciful with fear, hating even the garment which is soiled by the flesh.

Now to Him who is able to preserve you without sin and to set you before the presence of His glory, without blemish, in gladness, to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, belong glory and majesty, dominion and authority, before all time, and now and forever. Amen.

EXPLANATION OF ST. JUDE'S EPISTLE

During the time of St. Jude's apostolate, certain errors had spread among the Hebrew Christians. It was to caution them against these falsehoods, as well as to exhort them to be faithful to the teachings of the Apostles, that this Epistle was written. St. Jude inveighed especially against practices of simony and heretical beliefs advocated among the early Christians.

In his Epistle, St. Jude urged the faithful to remain steadfast in the doctrine and practices taught by the Apostles, who had foretold that in aftertimes there would be false teachers who would scoff at and ridicule all revealed truths, abandoning themselves to their passions and lusts; men who would separate themselves from the Catholic communion by heresies and schisms: carnal men enslaved by the pleasures of the senses. That such men would be severely punished, he said, was evident from the punishment of the unbelieving Israelites in the desert, of the wicked angels and of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. St. Jude foretold for heretics the same punishment meted out to Cain, Balaam, and the sons of Core, because they imitated the errors of those wicked ones. To the pride of their wicked teachings and life he opposed the modesty of the Archangel Michael.

St. Jude likewise exhorted the early Christians to erect a true spiritual edifice by living lives founded upon faith, love of God, ardent hope, and prayer, while awaiting the mercies of God and the reward of eternal life. He exhorted them to practise fraternal charity and cautioned them that in their efforts to win converts they would encounter three types of persons:

First, those obstinate in their errors and sins, who must be regarded as already judged and condemned. These, he said, should be reproved and, if possible, convinced of their error.

Second, those who would be willing to listen to their admonitions. These, he said, they should save by pulling them, as it were, out of the fire and the ruin of which they were in danger.

Third, those who either through ignorance or weakness were liable to be drawn into the snares of the heretics. These must be dealt with more gently and with .a charitable compassion, and must be taught to hate even the garment which is soiled by the flesh, meaning the sensual and corrupt actions which defile the body and soul.

So strikingly applicable to our own times are the exhortations contained in this Epistle that they might well have been addressed to the Christians of the twentieth century. False teachers and errors without number are today being spread throughout the world, and the Catholics of our time truly need to be exhorted to remain steadfast in their Faith if they would escape being drawn into this whirlpool.

The means which St. Jude proposed to the early Christians to maintain the Faith and keep themselves in the love of God are no other than those which the Church in our own times holds out and has always held out to her children. His recommendations as to the manner of dealing with those who have in any way erred from the truth apply equally to the faithful of the present day. His counsels may be said to contain the germ of Catholic Action-that form of participation in the salvation of souls to which the laity of our days are so earnestly exhorted.

St. Jude concludes his Epistle with a beautiful doxology, praising God for the gift of the Incarnation, by means of which the Eternal Word took upon Himself our human nature, that He might become our Redeemer.

To implore the Intercession of St. Jude

One of the most powerful means to obtain the aid of St. Jude is to have the holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered in his honour. A triduum or a novena of Masses (that is, a Mass on three or on nine consecutive days) is so much the more powerful. Or one may assist at Holy Mass for such a number of days in his honour.

Receiving Holy Communion in his honour is also a powerful form of imploring his help; and grateful clients often express their thanks by offering Holy Masses and Communions after receiving his help.

Novenas (prayers said for nine days in succession) are also powerful means of obtaining St. Jude's assistance.

Another effective means for obtaining his help is to make an offering to some charitable cause or perform some other good work in his honour. Nothing gives us a sure pledge of God's help and the intercession of the Saints than works of mercy. St. Leo says, 'Prayer has the greatest efficacy to obtain favours from God when it is supported by works of mercy. Lefer, a pious priest, asserts: 'Persons of all classes in the most desperate situations came to me. Frequently all means failed to obtain the longedfor grace until I said to them: 'Practise charity.' If they followed this advice, they invariably received help.

MASS IN HONOUR OF ST. JUDE.

These prayers may be said in their proper place as you follow the Ordinary of the Mass from your prayer book or

Missal.

INTROIT. PS. 138. To me Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honourable: Their principality is exceedingly

strengthened. Ps. Lord, Thou hast proved me, and known me: Thou hast known my sitting down and my rising up. V. Glory be to the Father . . .

COLLECT. O God, who through Thy blessed Apostle Jude hast brought us unto the knowledge of Thy Name, grant that by advancing in virtue we may set forth his everlasting glory, and by setting forth his glory, we may advance in virtue. Through our Lord Jesus Christ . . .

EPISTLE. EPH. 4. Brethren: To each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's bestowal. Thus it says, 'Ascending on high, He led away captives, He gave gifts to men. Now this, 'He ascended, what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended, He it is who ascended also above all the heavens, that He might fill all things. And He Himself gave some men as apostles, and some as prophets, others again as evangelists, and others as pastors and teachers, in order to perfect the saints for a work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of deep knowledge of the Son of God, to perfect manhood, to the mature measure of the fullness of Christ.

GRADUAL. Ps. 44. Thou shalt make them princes aver all the earth: they shall remember Thy Name, O Lord. V. Instead of Thy fathers, sons are born to Thee: therefore shall people praise Thee. Alleluia, Alleluia. V. Ps. 138. Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honourable: their principality is exceedingly strengthened. Alleluia.

GOSPEL. JOHN 15. At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: 'These things I command you that you love one another. If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before you. If I were of the world, the world would love what is its own. But because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. No servant is greater than his master. If they have persecuted Me, they will persecute you also; if they have kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My Name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin. He who hates Me, hates My Father also. If I had not done among them works such as no one else has done, they would have no sin. But now they have seen and have hated both Me and My Father; but that the word written in their law may be fulfilled, 'They have hated Me without cause.'

OFFERTORY. Ps. 18. Their sound went forth into all the earth; and their words unto all the ends of the world.

SECRET. We who honour the eternal glory of Thy holy Apostle Jude beseech Thee, O Lord, that, being cleansed by these holy mysteries, we may become more worthy to do him homage. Through our Lord . . .

PREFACE. It is truly meet and just, right and availing unto salvation, humbly to pray Thee, O Lord, the eternal Shepherd, to abandon not Thy flock; but through Thy blessed Apostles to keep a continual watch over it; that it may be governed by those same rulers whom Thou didst set over it as shepherds and as Thy vicars. And therefore with the angels and archangels, the thrones and dominations, and the whole host of the heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Thy glory, saying again and again: Holy, holy, holy . .

COMMUNION. MATT. 19. You who have followed Me shall sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel, saith the Lord.

POSTCOMMUNION. Having received Thy Sacraments, O Lord, we humbly entreat Thee, that through the intercession of Thy blessed Apostle Jude, what we do in honour of his martyrdom may avail us as a healing remedy. Through our Lord . . .

OFFERING.

O Eternal Father, I offer Thee this holy Sacrifice to Thy highest praise, with that same intention and for the same aim and end as Thy beloved Son, the eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ, Himself, offers it to Thee. I offer it especially for the greater glory and beatitude of St. Jude Thaddeus, in thanksgiving for all the graces and eternal bliss bestowed upon him, and for my spiritual and temporal needs, particularly for . . . Amen.

NOVENAS

Any of the following prayers may be used for a Novena, according to one's needs.

1. PRAYER FOR SPECIAL FAVOUR

Glorious Apostle, St. Jude Thaddeus, true relative of Jesus and Mary, I greet thee through the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Through this Heart I praise and thank God for all the graces He has bestowed upon thee. Humbly prostrate before thee, I implore thee, through this Heart, to look down upon me with compassion. Despise not my poor prayer; let not my trust be confounded! To thee God has granted the privilege of aiding mankind in the most desperate cases. Oh, come to my aid, that I may praise the mercies of God! All my life I will be grateful to thee and will be thy faithful client until I can thank thee in heaven. Amen.

2. PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL HELP

Glorious Apostle, martyr, and relative of Jesus, St. Jude Thaddeus, thou spreadest the true faith among the most barbarous and distant nations, and won to the obedience of Jesus Christ many tribes and peoples by the power of His holy word. Grant, I beseech thee, that from this day I may renounce every sinful habit, that I may be preserved from all evil thoughts, that I may always obtain thine assistance, particularly in every danger and difficulty, and that I may safely reach the heavenly country, with thee to adore the Most Holy Trinity the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

3. PRAYER FOR HELP IN TRIALS

This and the following prayer may be said in great affliction, or when one seems to be deprived of all visible help, and for cases despaired of.

Most holy Apostle, St. Jude faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered thy beloved Master into the hands of His enemies has caused thee to be forgotten by many. But the Church honours and invokes thee universally as the patron of hopeless cases-of things despaired of. Pray for me who am so miserable. Make use, I implore thee, of that particular privilege accorded thee of bringing visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolations and succour of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly . . . (here make your request) and that I may bless God with thee and all the elect through eternity.

I promise thee, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favour, and I will never cease to honour thee as my special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to thee: Amen.

4. PRAYER IN GRIEVOUS AFFLICTION

St. Jude Thaddeus, relative of Jesus and Mary, glorious Apostle and martyr, renowned for thy virtues and miracles, faithful and prompt intercessor for all who honour thee and trust in thee! Powerful patron and helper in grievous affliction, I come to thee and entreat thee with all my heart to come to my aid, for thou hast received from God the privilege of assisting with manifest help those who almost despair. Look down upon me; my life is a life of crosses, my days are full of tribulation, and my paths are strewn with thorns, and scarcely one moment passes but is witness of my tears and sighs. My soul is enveloped in darkness, disquietude, discouragement, mistrust; yes, sometimes even a kind of despair preys upon my soul. Divine Providence seems lost to my sight, and faith seems to falter in my heart. Overwhelmed by these thoughts, I see myself surrounded by a dark cloud. Thou cannot forsake me in this sad plight! I will not depart from thee until thou hast heard me. Oh! hasten to my aid. I will honour thee as my special patron. I will thank God for the graces bestowed upon thee, and will propagate thine honour according to my power. Amen.

In great affliction one may promise the Apostle, in case he will help, to distribute a certain number of these booklets in thanksgiving. This means of spreading devotion to him is an effective way of obtaining his help.

5. PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON

Almighty and Eternal God, the everlasting salvation of those who believe: hear us on behalf of Thy servant N . . . for whom we implore the aid of Thy tender mercy, that being restored to bodily health, he (she) may give thanks to Thee in Thy church, through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

It was revealed to St. Gertrude that it is a source of great joy to the saints when we praise and thank God for the graces and privileges He has bestowed upon them. Clients of St. Jude should recite the following act of thanksgiving frequently.

O most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, in union with the unutterable praise with which the Most Holy Trinity extols Itself and which thence flows upon Thy Sacred Humanity, upon Mary, upon all the angels and saints, I praise, glorify and bless Thee for all the graces and privileges Thou hast bestowed upon Thy chosen Apostle and intimate friend, Jude Thaddeus. I pray Thee for the sake of his merits, grant me Thy grace, and through his intercession come to my aid in all my needs. Especially at the hour of my death deign to strengthen me against the rage of my enemies. Amen.

LITANY OF ST. JUDE (For private devotion)

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, etc

God the Holy Spirit,

Holy Trinity, one God,

St. Jude, relative of Jesus and Mary, Pray for us

St. Jude, while on earth deemed worthy to see Jesus and Mary, and to enjoy their company, etc.

St. Jude, raised to the dignity of an Apostle,

St. Jude, honoured in beholding the Divine Master humble Himself to wash thy feet,

St. Jude, who at the Last Supper received the Holy Eucharist from the hands of Jesus, Pray for us St. Jude, who after the profound grief which the death of thy beloved Master caused thee, had the consolation of

beholding Him risen from the dead, and of assisting at His glorious Ascension, etc.

St. Jude, filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost,

St. Jude, who preached the Gospel in Persia,

St. Jude, who converted many people to the Faith,

St. Jude, who performed wonderful miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit,

St. Jude, who restored an idolatrous king to health of both soul and body,

St. Jude, who imposed silence on demons and confounded their oracles,

St. Jude, who foretold to a weak prince an honourable peace with his powerful enemy,

St. Jude, who took from deadly serpents the power of injuring man,

St. Jude, who disregarding the threats of the impious, courageously preached the doctrine of Christ, St. Jude, who gloriously suffered martyrdom for the love of thy Divine Master,

Blessed Apostle, with confidence we invoke thee! (Three times).

St. Jude, help of the hopeless, aid me in my distress! (Three times).

That by thy intercession, both priests and people of the Church may obtain an ardent zeal for the Faith of Jesus Christ,

We beseech thee, hear us.

That thou wouldst defend our Sovereign Pontiff and obtain peace and unity for the Holy Church, etc. That all heathens and unbelievers may be converted to the true Faith,

That faith, hope and charity may increase in our hearts,

That we may be delivered from evil thoughts and from the snares of the devil,

That thou wouldst deign to aid and protect all those who honour thee

That thou wouldst preserve us from all sin and from all occasions of sin,

That thou wouldst defend us at the hour of death against the fury of the devil and of all evil spirits, Pray for us, that before death we may expiate all our sins by sincere repentance and the worthy reception of the holy

sacraments,

Pray for us, that we may appease the Divine Justice and obtain a favourable judgement,

Pray for us, that we may be admitted into the company of the blessed, to rejoice in the presence of our God forever. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,

Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,

Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,

Have mercy on us.

St. Jude, pray for us

And for all who invoke thine aid.

Imprimi Potest: A: Castellotto, S.S.P. Printed with Ecclesiastical Approval Sydney, January 18, 1964. ********