Saint Jude Thaddeus

Take Saint Jude Thaddeus, for example. He starts off at a disadvantage — that name doesn't exactly sound saintly... quite the opposite, actually. And yet, among Jesus' disciples, there were two Judases! And judging by how their lives turned out, they were from very different worlds.

Contrary to what we Westerners might think (especially in 2019 and beyond), Thaddeus is not Judas' surname. It was a nickname given to him by his friends — yes, just like we do! Incredible, right? But let's get to the point: what does Thaddeus mean? It means "kind-hearted," "big-hearted" — and already in his name and nickname lies a bit of the reason for the devotion to this saint, and especially for the power of his intercession.

People who have received Saint Jude's help often say they were advised to turn to him in desperate or hopeless situations, of which he is the patron saint. Of course, he has a very honorable "competitor" in this field: Saint Rita. But let's be honest — who doesn't know Saint Rita? Exactly — everyone does. And everyone asks for her help. So, understandably, she's a little... overwhelmed! It might take some time to get a response.

That's why many devotees suggest turning to Saint Jude instead — he's "less busy" (after all, that name doesn't do him any favors), but he has a big heart and will surely listen to you.

So those who pray to him and recite his novena often commit to spreading devotion to him in return. And from word to word, person to person, his following has grown — not only in Italy but even more so in America, Africa, India, and English-speaking countries.

Thanks to this saint, we even met the lovely owners of Gelateria San Giuda in San Donato. After receiving Saint Jude's help with a complicated work situation, they fulfilled their dream of opening their ice cream shop — which they dedicated to him as part of their promise to bear witness to his help. Anna and Alberto told us they later found out that Thaddeus not only means magnanimous or kind-hearted, but also "sweet" (like gelato?) and that Judas may have been the provisioner or "food guy" of Jesus' group. Who knows — maybe he was even the wine taster at the Wedding at Cana!

What we do know is that he was a cousin of Jesus — on both his mother's and father's side — and so close to Him that he was often referred to as His "brother." Some say they even looked alike, which is why in many icons Saint Jude is depicted with an image of Jesus on his chest — to symbolize their resemblance and closeness.

In Milan, there is only one altar dedicated to Saint Jude, located in the Church of San Camillo, connected to the San Camillo Clinic.

In the comments below, feel free to share any places dedicated to Saint Jude that you know of — let's create a shared map of devotion to this powerful saint.

We're also sharing here the Prayer to Saint Jude and the Novena, which you can download, print, and pass along to anyone who might need it.

Long live Saint Jude!

Download the Prayer to Saint Jude (ITA)

Download the Novena (ITA)