Hope for the despairing

From the Novena to St. Jude Thaddeus

Sacred Scripture: Romans 5:5

Meditation for Day 8

The Catechism teaches that 'hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ's promises' (CCC 1817). When natural hope fails, the Christian falls back on this supernatural hope.

Today's prayer asks St. Jude to obtain for every soul on the verge of despair — and for the one who is praying this novena — the gift of unshakeable hope.

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.