Saint Jude Thaddeus is one of the most venerated saints by his devotees due to the heavenly favors attributed to him after praying with faith, especially on matters such as finding employment or housing. Although little is known about his life after the Ascension, a canonical epistle attributed to him shares similarities with the second epistle of Saint Peter.
Thaddeus, whose name means "brave to proclaim his faith," is mentioned in the early church as "the brother of James." He is believed to be the brother of James the Less due to the notoriety of the latter in the early church. Tradition holds that he was martyred by being decapitated with an axe, which is why many representations show him with this tool in hand.
One of the legends suggests that Jude Thaddeus questioned Jesus about his manifestation only to some after the Last Supper. The devout Saint Bridget mentions that Our Lord recommended asking for certain favors through Saint Jude Thaddeus. Although he is often confused with Thaddeus from the legend of Abgar, it is deemed necessary to differentiate him from Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
The celebration of Saint Jude Thaddeus on October 28 alongside Saint Simon is common in the Western Church, unlike the Eastern Church, which separates their festivities. Throughout the centuries, various legends about this saint have spread, some of which may be unreliable. Devotees are advised not to fall into superstitious practices, such as the "miraculous novena," and to focus on holiness rather than seeking financial benefits.
The epistle attributed to Jude urges Christians to defend their faith against false teachers and to maintain their purity. Despite uncertainty about how and when he joined the disciples, Western tradition indicates that he preached with Saint Simon in Persia before being martyred. This saint is remembered as a brave figure and a spiritual guide in the pursuit of holiness.
