Glorious Apostle, St. Jude Thaddeus, I salute you through the Sacred Hear of Jesus. Through His Heart I praise and thank God for all the graces He has bestowed upon you. I implore you, through His love to look upon me with compassion. Do not despise my poor prayer. Do not let my trust be confounded! God has granted to you the privilege of aiding mankind in the most desperate cases. Oh, come to my aid that I may praise the mercies of God! All my life I will be your grateful client until I can than you in heaven. Amen. St. Jude, pray for us,
And for all who invoke your aid.
Glory be to the Father…
St. Jude Novena
“DO NOT FORSAKE ME IN MY SADNESS”
To come to your altar our faith brings us here
We come to implore you, may God our pleas hear
O good St. Jude; we call on your name
Your praises loud your people proclaim.
May God’s will be done, St. Jude we request
O give what we ask you if it be for the best.
St. Jude please obtain us the grace that we need
And bring us God’s strength for which we now plead.
St. Jude Novena
MEDITATION
St. Jude, Apostle of Christ, listen to our prayer!
St. Jude, who shared in the love of the Blessed Mother for Christ and His disciples, listen to our prayer!
St. Jude, who was present at the Last supper, to celebrate the Holy Eucharist with Christ, listen to our prayer!
St. Jude, who suffered during the passion and death of Christ, listen to our prayer!
St. Jude, who rejoiced at seeing Christ risen from the dead, listen to our prayer!
St. Jude, who witnessed the glorious Ascension of Christ into heaven, listen to our prayer!
St. Jude, filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, listen to our prayer!
St. Jude, who worked many wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit, listen to our prayer!
St. Jude, patron of the despairing, listen to our prayer!
St. Jude, intercessor for difficult cases, listen to our prayer!
St. Jude, consoler of the distressed, listen to our prayer!
That all people, regardless of race, creed or personal differences may live in social harmony, listen to our prayer!
That all people will retain their health and that the sick, especially (mention your request), will regain their health according to God’s holy will, listen to our prayer!
That God will grant eternal rest to our departed relatives and friends (mention your request), and to all departed souls, listen to our prayer!
That God will grant us our special intentions, particularly (mention your request), and for the intentions of all people devoted to you, listen to our prayer
THE WORD OF GOD
Supplication of Christ in Agony
Psalm 143:1-10
Hear my prayer, O God, give ear to my supplications! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! Enter not into judgment with your servant for no one living is righteous before you.
For the enemy has pursued me, has crushed my life to the ground, and has made me sit in darkness like those long dead. Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled. I remember the days of old, I meditate on all that you have done; I muse on what your hands have wrought, I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
Make haste to answer me, O God, My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the Pit, Let me hear in the mourning of your steadfast love, for in you I put my trust.
Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Deliver me, O God, from my enemies.
I have fled to you for refuge!
Teach me to do your will for you are my God!
Let your good spirit lead me on a level path!
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.
The Epistle of St. Jude
Jude 20-25
But as for you, beloved, build up yourselves upon your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto life everlasting. And some, who are judged, reprove; but others, save, snatching them from the fire. And to others be merciful with fear, hating even the garment which is soiled by the flesh.
Now to him who is able to preserve you without sin and to set you before the presence of his glory, without blemish in gladness, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, belong glory and majesty, dominion and authority, before all time, and now, and forever. Amen.
NOVENA PRAYERS
Prayer in Great Affliction
St. Jude Thaddeus, relative of Jesus Christ, glorious Apostle and martyr, renowned for your virtues and miracles, faithful and prompt intercessor of all who honor you and trust in you! You are a powerful patron and helper in great afflictions. I entreat you from the depths of my heart; come to my aid with your powerful intercession, for you have received from God the privilege to assist with your visible help those who almost despair of all hope. Look down upon me. Time and again I find myself discouraged and depressed by the troubles I must face. I know that others around me have burdens as heavy or heavier than mine but I sometimes come close to despairing that I will be able to continue carrying mine. Overwhelmed by these thoughts, I ask your help.
Do not forsake me in my sadness. Hasten to my aid. I will be grateful to you all my life and will honor you as my special patron. I will than God for the graces bestowed upon you, and will encourage honor to you to best of my ability. Amen.
Let Us Pray
Glorious Apostle and martyr, St. Jude Thaddeus, whose life and accomplishments we celebrate and who used your gifts and talents to bring Christ’s love to many people, pray for us today that the love of Christ in our lives may increase. Pray that we may renounce every sinful habit and refrain from all selfish actions. May we always know your intercession in danger and difficulty, and may we safely reach heaven to adore with you the most Holy Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for Particular Needs
St. Jude, Apostle of Christ, the Church honors and prays to you universally as the patron of hopeless and difficult cases. Make use, we implore you, of this powerful privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is needed. Pray that we humbly accept the trails and disappointments and mistakes which are a part of our human nature. Help us to see the reflection of the suffering of Christ in the trails and tribulations of our own lives. Amen.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for all the graces and favors which you have given us through the prayers of your Apostle, Jude Thaddeus. Great apostle, St. Jude, we thank you for your intercession in response to our prayers. We will always be grateful to you. Continue to intercede for our needs and in our difficulties. Be with us particularly in the hour of death that we may face that decisive moment with courage and serenity. Amen.
DEVOTION TO ST. JUDE
The origins of devotion to St. Jude as the patron of desperate or hopeless cases are nearly as obscure as details of the life of the great Apostle. These details of the life of the great Apostle. These origins seem to have been a spontaneous rising of interest among the faithful themselves, prompted possibly by the fact that according to Sacred Tradition, St. Jude was a near relative, a cousin of Jesus, and that as a child he was a playmate of the God-man.
Confusion of the names of St. Jude and the traitor, Judas, effectively discouraged devotion to the saint for many centuries. Devotion to him, consequently, has been of centuries. Devotion to him, consequently, has been of relatively recent origin although there is evidence that this devotion was held in high esteem during the Middle Ages.
Impetus to this devotion was undoubtedly given by Our Lord Himself who, in a vision, directed St. Bridget of Sweden to St. Jude with great faith and confidence. “In accordance with his surname, Thaddeus — the amiable, loving,” said Our Lord, “he will show himself most willing to give help.”
The Gospel tells us that St. Jude was a brother of St. James the Less, also one of the twelve Apostles. These two together with tow other brothers (one St. Simeon of Jerusalem) are described by St. Matthew (13:55) as the “brethren” of Jesus. In the Hebrew language, the word “brethren” indicates a near relationship.
Tradition has it that St. Jude’s father, Cleophas, was murdered because of his forthright and outspoken devotion to the risen Christ. Mary Cleophas, the mother of St. Jude and St. James the Less, was a cousin of the Virgin Mary. After her death, miracles were attributed to her intercession.
St. Jude is shown, traditionally, as carrying the image of Jesus in his had. This represents, according to tradition–our principal source of knowledge of the saint–the imprint of the Divine Countenance that was entrusted to him by Our Lord.
The circumstances were these: King Abagaro of Edessa, who suffered from leprosy, sent word to Jesus asking Him to come and cure him. With this request, we are told. the King sent an artist to return with a picture of the master.
Impressed with his great faith, Our Lord pressed His Image on a cloth and gave it to St. Jude to bring to the King of Edessa and cure him.
The King was cured and together with most of his subjects was converted to Christianity.
After the death and resurrection of Jesus, St. Jude traveled throughout Mesopotamia for a period of ten years, preaching and converting many to Christianity.
He probably returned to Jerusalem for the Council of the Apostles, and then he and St. Simon visited Libya and Persia where many more converts were made.
St. Jude died a martyr’s death. Tradition tells us that he was clubbed, possibly into insensibility, and his head was then shattered with a broad ax. Sometime after his death, St. Jude’s body was brought to Rome and placed in a crypt in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Vatican Council II directed that all devotions to the Blessed Mother and the angels and saints should bring the faithful to fuller appreciation of the Sacred Liturgy, and that the devotions should also harmonize with the liturgical seasons of the Church. This devotion to St.. Jude has been written in accord with these wished of Vatican Council II.
Vatican Council II, in its Constitution on the Church, recalls the union that the Church on earth has with the Apostle, martyrs and all the saints in heaven. The Council, in the Constitutions on the Church and the Liturgy, warmly recommends that this union be fostered by prayer and devotion, because our companionship with the saints joins us to Christ, from whom issues the life and grace of God’s people. The authentic devotion to the saints will be measured, the Council says, by the intensity of the active love of the faithful, who seek the intercession of the saints.
A Novena
A novena is a devotion performed for nine consecutive days or nine other consecutive periods. To make a novena with greater fruit one should participate in the sacramental prayer of the Church. One should also have greater confidence in God and in the intercession of the Saint in whose honor the novena is made.
SACRED HEART NOVENA
THE PROMISE OF OUR LORD
“Those who promote this devotion shall have their names written in My heart, never to be forgotten”.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is rooted in our human hearts as we respond in love to the Son of God made man. It is a beating of our hearts in unison with His.
To express that love, these nine meditations -based on the traditional prayer of the Sacred Heart of Jesus-can easily be used throughout the year. We suggest you read, or better still, pray one prayer each day for a period of nine days. By doing so you will be offering your own personal novena, which is reminiscent of the nine First Fridays which have been so much a part of the devotion to the Sacred Heart. There is no need to limit the use of these beautiful prayers to the nine days. Since a novena is basically a commitment to prayer for a period of time, these nine prayers can help you develop a sense of dedication and a habit of daily prayer.
Merciful Jesus, I consecrate myself today and always to Your Most Sacred Heart.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I implore that I may ever love You more and more.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus I trust in you!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus I believe in Your love for me.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like Your heart.
First Day: COME TO ME
Scripture Reading: “Come to Me, all who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you. Take My yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of Heart. Your souls will find rest, for My yoke is easy and My burden light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Prayer: With open arms, O Lord, You continue to embrace the universe.
I know I am a small part of the universe, Yet in your eyes I am also a very important part.
Lord, I welcome your embrace. It is by my surrendering to You that You are able to bring me closer to Your Heart-the source of all love, compassion and kindness.
Pause for personal Mediation
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Second Day: LET THE CHILDREN COME
Scripture Reading: “They brought children to be touched by Him. When the disciples saw this, they scolded them. But Jesus said: “Let the children come to Me. Do not discourage them. The Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Trust Me when I tell you that whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God as a child will not enter it.” Luke 18:15-17
Prayer: With open arms, O Lord, we are orphans-lost, abandoned and alone.
With you we are saved.
As I come to You today, Lord let me approach You as a child-
Open to Your mystery of love.
Enthused by your love of life.
Generous and joyful.
In need of guidance and support.
Jesus, protect the children of the world. Give me the grace to be an example of your love to them.
Pause for Personal Mediation
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Third Day: WHAT IS NEEDED IS TRUST
Scripture Reading: “Jesus said to Jairus: ‘Fear is useless. What is needed is trust.’…He took the child’s father and mother… and entered the room where the child Lay. Taking her hand he said to her, ‘Little girl, get up.’ The girl, a child of twelve, stood up immediately and began to walk around. At this time the family’s astonishment knew no bounds.” Mark 5:36 40-47
Prayer: Lord, allow Your healing hand to heal me.
Touch my soul with Your compassion for others.
Touch my heart with Your courage and infinite love for all.
Touch my mind with Your wisdom, that my mouth may always proclaim Your praise.
Teach me to reach out to You in my need.
Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength.
Pause for Personal Mediation
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Fourth Day: I KNOW MY SHEEP
Scripture Reading: “I came that they may have life and have it to the full. I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd Lays down His life for His sheep…I know My sheep and My sheep know Me.” John 10:10-11,14
Prayer: Lord, it is written that You care especially for the lost sheep in this world.
Today I place into Your hands someone I care about deeply (mention a particular person)
To be lost is a terrible feeling, to be unknown and unsure is to live in fear.
You know us so well.
Your love is so sure.
With You we have nothing to fear.
Let this day, Lord, be another step closer to Your heart for myself and for (mention a particular person).
Pause for personal Mediation
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Fifth Day: I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE
Scripture Reading: “I Myself am the living bread come down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread he shall live forever: the bread I will give is My flesh, for the life of the world.” John 6:13
Prayer: O Lord, Your generosity knows no limits! Your burning desire to be one with us knows no bounds! You gave Yourself in Bethlehem, in Galilee, at Calvary. In the gift of our Eucharist You continue to give of Yourself day in and day out.
You give us the Eucharist, “so that sins might be forgiven.” You give us yourself so that we might “have life, life to the fullest.”
Today, Lord, I ask You to forgive my selfishness, my pettiness, my sins. Help me live like You lived-a life lived for others, filled with the fullness of grace.
Pause for Personal meditation
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Sixth Day: YOUR WILL BE DONE
Scripture Reading: “Jesus said to His disciples, ‘My heart is nearly broken with sorrow. Remain here and stay awake with Me.’ He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer. ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass Me by. Still, Your will be done, not mine.'” Matthew 26:37-39
Prayer: O Lord, You were no stranger to sorrow, to the loss of family and dear friends. You even knew the fear of death. Whey, Lord, did you face such trials?
Was it so You could understand me in my times of trial? Lord, I know You are a God who does not love from afar but loves and cares and saves with all Your heart. I know You suffered in order to show me how to suffer.
Lord, I offer You my suffering today; do with it as You will, for it is a powerful gift. It is Yours, Lord; let it be my way of saying “I love You.”
Pause for personal mediation
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Seventh Day: THEY CAME TO JESUS
Scripture Reading: “When they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break His legs. One soldier pierced his side with a lance, and immediately blood and water flowed out.” John 19:33-34
Prayer: Lord, it is only because of the foolishness of Your cross that life makes sense.
You abandoned Your own life to teach me what really matters. How I strive after foolish things and use people rather than love people and use things.
You died the shameful death on the cross to teach us the joyful lesson in life.
Today, Lord, give me the courage to love what is important and to forsake all that is self-serving and deceitful.
May my heart be like Your Heart today-filled with compassion and kindness for all.
Pause for personal Meditation
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Eight Day: MY LORD AND MY GOD
Scripture Reading: “Jesus came and stood before the disciples. ‘Peace be with you’ He said; then, to Thomas; Take your finger and examine My hands. Put your hand into My side. Do not persist in your unbelief, but believe! Thomas responded, ‘My Lord and My God!'” John 20:26-28
Prayer: Lord, if only we believed fully in You. Our Holy Father’s motto is “You are everything.” Help me believe that You are every answer to every problem, that You are everywhere to guide, strengthen, encourage and lead.
Yes, I believe in You, but my faith is often weak. In times of trial I doubt You and in times of joy I forget You.
In the patience of Your Heart, Lord, continue to reveal Yourself to me everywhere. Thank you, Lord for the gift of faith in You.
Pause for personal mediation
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Ninth Day: HE SHALL DWELL WITH THEM
Scripture Reading: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth…This is God’s dwelling among men. He shall dwell with them and they shall be His people and He shall be their God who is always with them. He shall wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, crying or pain, for the former world has passed away.” Revelation 21:1,3-4
Prayer: O Lord, how often I wonder where life will lead. Where am I going-how will it end?
Life ends where life began-with You, Lord. You said of Yourself, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the End.”
I am Yours, Lord-yesterday, today, forever. I am Yours Lord forgive my past, bring light and peace to my present, and prepare me with a generous heart for the future.
I know You will be there for me, My Lord and My God.
Pause for personal mediation
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
