Patron of impossible causes

From the Novena to St. Jude Thaddeus

Sacred Scripture: Luke 1:37

Meditation for Day 7

The reason St. Jude became, in particular, the patron of cases that seem hopeless is bound up with his obscurity. The faithful turned to him precisely because few others did, and his answers to those petitions multiplied his fame.

The angel said to Mary: 'Nothing will be impossible with God.' Today's prayer brings the most stubborn, most despaired-of intention to St. Jude with that confidence.

Daily Novena Prayer (recited every day)

Daily Novena Prayer to St. Jude

Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, who am so miserable. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege accorded to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request), and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

This is the standard novena prayer used at the National Shrine of St. Jude (Claretian Missionaries, Chicago). It is recited each of the nine days. Pray Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be at the conclusion.