St. Jude, known as Thaddaeus, was a brother of St. James the Less and a relative of Our Savior, Jesus Christ. St. Jude was one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus.  

St. Jude is often depicted with a flame around his head, representing his presence at Pentecost, when he received the Holy Spirit with the other apostles. St. Jude is traditionally depicted carrying the image of Jesus in his hand or close to his chest. This idea comes from a legend in which King Abgar of Edessa asked Jesus to cure him of leprosy. In his place, King Abgar sent an artist to Jesus. The artist was commissioned to sketch a likeness of Jesus to bring back to Abgar. Impressed with Abgar's great faith, Jesus pressed his face into a cloth and gave it to St. Jude to take to Abgar. Upon seeing Jesus' image, The king was cured and he converted to Christianity along with most of the people under his rule. 

Symbols of  an anchor, oar, boat, ship, boat-hook, and carpenter's rule associated with St. Jude seem to be references to voyages made for Christ, spreading hope, and perhaps to St. Jude's profession as a fisherman/boat repairer. It is also possible that the carpenter's rule is a reference to St. Jude's being a relative of St. Joseph and Jesus, both carpenters.  Whatever the origin of these symbols, for many, they now bring to mind St. Jude and his powerful intercession before Christ for us. The symbol of the anchor is particularly apt since the anchor is also the symbol for the theological virtue of hope. St. Jude seems to have been given the special privilege of helping those who are most in need. 

After the death and resurrection of Jesus, Saint Jude, the brother of James the Less and a cousin of Christ, traveled throughout Mesopotamia preaching and converting many to Christianity. 

He died a martyr's death. As tradition tells us, he was clubbed to death and his head was then shattered with a broad ax. Some time after his death, St. Jude's body was brought to Rome and placed in a crypt in St. Peter's Basilica.

According to tradition, after his martyrdom, pilgrims came to his grave to pray and many of them experienced the powerful intercessions of St. Jude. Thus the title, 'The Saint for the Hopeless and the Despaired'. St. Bridget of Sweden and St. Bernard had visions from God asking each to accept St. Jude as 'The Patron Saint of the Impossible.'

If you would like to have a candle burning at the St. Jude Shrine perpetually throughout the year for your intention, please complete the order form available on this page. A special plaque will be made for the candle with your name and intention.