The feast day of St. Simon and St. Jude is celebrated on the same day…October 28. They were both Apostles and Martyrs. St. Simon is the patron saint of tanners. St. Jude is the patron saint of impossible causes.
St. Simon was the second Bishop of Jerusalem. He preached in Egypt and Persia with St. Jude where both suffered martyrdom.
There are two stories of his death. The first has him dying by crucifixion in Samaria. The second has him sawed in half in Persia.
St. Simon and St. Jude
St. Jude was the son of Cleohas, who died a martyr and Mary who stood at the foot of the cross. He was the brother of St. James the Lesser. and a cousin to Jesus. He was a fisherman. He is not to be confused with Judas Iscariot, who was a traitor.
After the resurrection. Jude preached in Syria and Persia with St. Simon. He was a healer and an exorcist. He was beaten to death with a club then beheaded in Persia. His relics are at St. Peter’s Basilica, in Rome.
As apostles, both St. Simon and St. Jude became close to Jesus. They truly believed he was the Lord. After the Resurrection they spent their life spreading the good news of salvation. Their martyrdom shows us the depth of their love for Jesus.
Come my light, and illumine my darkness.
Come my Life and revive me from death.
Come, my Physician, and heal my wounds.
Come, Flame of Divine Love, and burn up the thorns of my sins, kindling my heart with the flame of your love.
Come my King, sit upon the throne of my heart and reign there.
For you alone are my King and my Lord.
Prayer of St. Dimitri of Rostov; Feast Day October 28
