Every October 28, thousands of people celebrate Saint Jude Thaddeus, one of the most beloved saints when life gets tough. We’ll tell you who he was, why he is known as the patron saint of difficult causes, why his image is “bathed” on that day, and how to choose if you want to give his medal as a gift.
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Saint Jude Thaddeus, El Greco (Wikimedia Commons, public domain)
Who Was Saint Jude Thaddeus
He was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. For centuries, his name was confused with that of Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus, and many faithful people avoided praying to him. It is often said that this is precisely why he became the saint people turn to “when there is no one else left to ask.”
In his traditional image, he wears a medallion with the face of Jesus on his chest and, often, a small flame above his head, a reminder of Pentecost.
We explain what each one means in the symbols of Saint Jude Thaddeus.
Why Is He Celebrated on October 28?
The Church celebrates the feast of the apostles Saint Simon and Saint Jude Thaddeus on October 28, who, according to tradition, preached together and died as martyrs. This is also where the Mexican custom of visiting him on the 28th of every month comes from.
The Patron Saint of Difficult Causes
Devotion to him is very strong in Spain and, especially, in Mexico, where many faithful people visit his churches on the 28th of every month. People turn to him when they are facing an illness, looking for work, awaiting important news, or going through a difficult time.
We explain how it is celebrated there in Saint Jude Thaddeus in Mexico: the devotion of the 28th.
We tell you more about his history and his connection with Our Lady of Guadalupe in this article.
Why Is Saint Jude “Bathed” on October 28?
It is a custom of popular piety, especially in Mexico. On October 28, and also on the 28th of every month, many devotees take their images and prints of Saint Jude to church, such as the Church of San Hipólito in Mexico City, to have them blessed. When they sprinkle them with holy water, the image gets wet, and that is where the custom of “bathing” the saint comes from.
At home, many families also wet their image with holy water or leave a glass of water nearby, along with candles and flowers. Water is a sign of purification and recalls baptism: it is not a ritual with power of its own, but a way to renew faith and ask for the saint’s help. If you have a new medal, that day is a good time to take it to be blessed.
How to Celebrate His Day
- A visit or a prayer on October 28, alone or with family. If you want to prepare, pray the day-by-day novena to Saint Jude, from the 19th to the 27th.
- Have your image or medal blessed, as so many devotees do on that day.
- A thoughtful gift for someone going through a hard time: a Saint Jude medal is a way of saying “I’m with you” without needing words. Here are some phrases for the card.
- Give thanks: many people give or wear their medal for the first time when a difficult cause is resolved.
Our Saint Jude Thaddeus Medals
Our medals feature Saint Jude Thaddeus alongside Our Lady of Guadalupe. They are handcrafted in Spain with 18K gold plating and natural stones, and include a chain. From October 19 to 29, they are 15% off, automatically applied at checkout. If you want it to arrive by the 28th, order it before October 24.
View Saint Jude Thaddeus medals →
Khartes Medals
The most beautiful medals are at Khartes
Saint Jude Thaddeus Medal with Natural Pearl€69I want itSaint Jude Thaddeus Medal with Rubies and Sapphires€69I want itSaint Jude Thaddeus and Our Lady of Guadalupe Medal with Lapis Lazuli€65I want it
Handcrafted in Spain · Free shipping on orders over €65