Memorial of Saints Jude and Simon, Apostles

Saint Jude Thaddeus and Saint Simon the Zealot were two of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus to spread His teachings.

Interestingly enough, Jude's name varies in the Gospels, but he is believed to have been a relative of Jesus and authored the Letter of Jude. After Jesus's death and Resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Saint Jude left the Holy Land and traveled across the known world to preach the Gospel. Like all but one of the apostles (Saint John), Saint Jude was killed for spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ making him a martyr.

Saint Simon earned the nickname "the Zealot" due to being part of a fervent Jewish nationalist sect known as the Zealots. This group fought against Roman rule and taxation. Simon, like Jude, became an apostle, witnessed Jesus' Passion and Resurrection, and received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He may have preached in Egypt and ultimately joined Jude in Persia, where they worked together to evangelize the people before being martyred.

Both apostles, despite their diverse backgrounds, exemplify dedication and sacrifice in spreading the Good News of Jesus. Their lives and missionary efforts contribute to their veneration as saints, with Saint Jude particularly known for intercession in difficult and seemingly hopeless situations.
 
Celebrate the feast by doing the following:

• Studying the New Testament.
• Attending mass at the Shrine of Saint Jude on Rampart St..
• Create a traditional menu for the feast using the EWTN Feast Day Cookbook.