Feasts of Saints Simon and Jude

Jude Thaddeus, also known as Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot were two of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus to spread His teachings.

Jude's name varies in the Gospels, but he is believed to have been a relative of Jesus and authored the Letter of Jude. He journeyed across various regions to preach the Gospel, eventually meeting martyrdom in Persia. Saint Jude is revered as the patron of desperate situations and lost causes.

Simon, on the other hand, earned the epithet "the Zealot" due to his association with the fervent Jewish nationalist sect known as the Zealots. These individuals resisted 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.

Both apostles, despite their diverse backgrounds, exemplify dedication and sacrifice in spreading the Good News of Jesus. Simon's death is attributed to a saw, though some accounts suggest a peaceful end in Edessa. 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.
• Attend mass.
• Create a traditional menu for the feast using the EWTN Feast Day Cookbook.