Saint Thaddeus, also known as Saint Jude Thaddeus, was one of the twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. A faithful disciple of the Lord, Thaddeus followed Christ throughout His public ministry and remained devoted to Him after the Resurrection and Pentecost. He is especially remembered for his zeal in preaching the Gospel and strengthening the early Church amid persecution.
After receiving the Holy Ghost, Thaddeus traveled to various regions proclaiming the name of Christ and calling many to conversion. Christian tradition holds that he preached alongside Saint Simon the Zealot in Mesopotamia, Persia, and surrounding lands. Through preaching, miracles, and steadfast faith, he brought many pagans to Christianity despite fierce opposition.
Thaddeus eventually suffered martyrdom for refusing to deny Christ. Because devotion to him developed later and his name was sometimes confused with Judas Iscariot, he became especially invoked as the patron of desperate and hopeless causes. His life remains a witness to perseverance, missionary courage, and confidence in God’s mercy.
Matthew 10:2–4
Thaddeus is listed among the twelve Apostles.
Mark 3:13–19
Christ appoints Thaddeus as one of the Apostles.
John 14:22
Jude asks Christ how He will manifest Himself to His disciples.
Epistle of Jude 1:1–25
Traditional attribution of the Epistle of Jude to Saint Jude Thaddeus.
The Golden Legend – Saints Simon and Jude
Traditional account of the missionary work and martyrdom of Thaddeus.
Patron of:
Hopeless Causes, Desperate Situations, Hospitals, Lost Causes
Feast Day:
October 28
Illustration by: Colton Rompala