Saint Jude, also known as Saint Jude Thaddeus, is known and loved throughout the world as the Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes. He is known as Judas Thaddaeus, Jude Thaddaeus, Judas son of James, or Lebbaeus. He is sometimes identified with Jude, the brother of Jesus, but is clearly distinguished from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus prior to his crucifixion. He was one of the twelve Apostles and a cousin of Jesus Christ. He courageously preached the Gospel, often in the most difficult circumstances.

According to tradition, after his martyrdom, pilgrims came to his grave to pray and many of them experienced the powerful intercessions of St. Jude. Thus the title, 'The Saint for the Hopeless and the Despaired'.

Saint Jude is often shown carrying an image of Jesus. Tradition tells us that this recalls a miracle when a king, afflicted with leprosy, was cured of this horrible disease after Saint Jude gave him a cloth that had been pressed to the face of Christ.

Over the ages many people in desperate need have turned to Saint Jude in prayer. Saint Bridget of Sweden said she was directed in a vision to pray with deep faith and confidence to Saint Jude. She stated that Christ told her, “In accordance with his surname, Thaddeus, the amiable or loving, Saint Jude will show himself most willing to help.”

Many countries venerate the Apostle Jude and have constructed shrines or churches dedicated to his memory. Such sites include those in Australia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Cuba, India, Iran, Philippines, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Lebanon.