Although he is a popular saint there is quite a bit of contradictory information in the bibles and auxiliary information about him. What is known is that he was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. It is thought that his original name was Thaddeus and it was changed when he became an apostle.
The name Jude is thought to be short for Judah which was a popular name amongst the Jews at the time. However, the Saint Jude who inspired the creation of the Saint Jude medals is not to be confused with Judas Iscariot. Judas was a different apostle of Christ but one who ultimately betrayed Jesus.
According to records, Saint Jude traveled through Judea, Samaria, Mesopotamia, Syria, Lybia, and Idumaea spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the year 62, he went back to Jerusalem to help his brother, Saint Simeon, get elected as the Bishop of Jerusalem.
Saint Jude is well known for letters he composed during his lifetime. One letter he wrote for the New Testament that speaks about how the faithful will always persevere during harsh times serves as the basis for him being the patron saint of desperate circumstances.
People believe that with faith they will get through circumstances that may seem impossible to overcome on the surface which is why they love the Saint Jude medals. Jude is also known for being the only person who questioned Jesus as to why he would not show himself to the entire world after he resurrected.
There is some debate as to whether or not Saint Jude was the brother of Jesus mentioned in the bible. The reason for the confusion is because of the name change. Some Catholics believe that Saint Jude is the brother while Protestants contest that Saint Jude is an entirely different person.
His day of feast is October 28. A children’s hospital that treats children suffering from pediatric cancer and other life threatening was named after the patron saint. Saint Jude medals make a nice gift to give the family members with children in the hospital.
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