Novena for the Feast of Saint Jude Thaddeus ~~ 28th October ~~

~~ Day 1 ~~

The word Apostle means a messenger. The Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ were the messengers He sent throughout the world to tell all mankind the glad tidings, the good news of the Gospel.
Ordinary men from the fishing crafts of small inland seas, from the tax-collectors' benches, from the homes of the less than middle class, they were normally destined for obscure lives and unhonored graves.
But they met the Saviour of the world. He spoke the compelling words, "Come, follow me." They could have ignored His invitation and returned to their nets, to their coins, to their mediocrity. Wisely they accepted His invitation. They lived for three years with the Master, received from Him incredible power and authority, and went out to be His spokesmen.
Among this historic Twelve the least known was the Apostle Jude. Today however he is loved and honored by millions, who call him the Saint of the impossible.

In his honor we pray:

The Prayer of Saint Jude
[To be recited at the end of each day's meditation.]

God, Who through Thy blessed Apostle Jude hast brought us into the knowledge of Thy Name, grant that by advancing in virtue we may set forth his everlasting glory, and by setting forth his glory we may advance in virtue. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

This prayer is from the  Collect, the Traditional Mass, said on the Feast of Saint Jude and carries a partial indulgence for that day.
Blessed Apostle, with confidence we invoke thee!
St. Jude, help of the hopeless, aid us in our distress!
Pray for us, / that before death / we may expiate all our sins / by sincere repentance / and the worthy reception fo the Holy Sacraments!
Pray for us, / that we may appease the Divine Justice / and obtain a favorable judgement!
Pray for us, / that we may be admitted / into the company of the blessed / to rejoice in the pressence of our God forever. Amen
St. Jude, Pray for Us! And for those who invoke thy aid!
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.