A novena is nine days of prayer for one intention. The Novena to St. Jude is one of the most prayed novenas among Catholics, because St. Jude is the patron of difficult cases: the problems that feel impossible. This guide explains when to start, what to pray each day and what to do if you miss a day.
Pray along: our St. Jude novena page opens on today's day, with the Scripture, the intention and every prayer on one screen.
When to start the St. Jude novena
St. Jude's feast day is October 28. There are two common ways to time the novena:
- October 19 to 27. The ninth day falls on the eve of the feast, so you arrive at October 28 having finished.
- October 20 to 28. The ninth day falls on the feast itself.
Both are fine. You can also pray the novena at any time of year, whenever you are carrying something heavy. Many people pray it again before the 28th of a month, because the 28th is his day every month.
How to pray the novena each day
Each day takes about five minutes.
- Be still and name your intention. In silence, tell God what you are asking for. It can be for you or for someone else.
- Read the day's Scripture. A short passage to pray with (see the nine days below).
- Pray the Prayer to St. Jude. At the words "particularly," make your request.
- Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.
Repeat this for nine days in a row.
The Prayer to St. Jude
Most holy Apostle, Saint 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; I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He 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 saints forever. I promise, O blessed Saint Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.
The nine days
Each day has its own theme and Scripture reading (Douay-Rheims Bible). On the novena page you can open any day and read the full passage.
| Day | Theme | Scripture | We pray |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hope | Luke 1:37 | For everyone carrying a problem that feels impossible. |
| 2 | Faith | Jude 1:20–21 | For stronger faith when our prayers seem unanswered. |
| 3 | Family | John 14:23 | For our families: parents, children, and those we miss. |
| 4 | Work | Matthew 7:7 | For steady work and the needs of our homes. |
| 5 | Health | Matthew 11:28 | For the sick, and for those who care for them. |
| 6 | Peace | John 14:27 | For anyone living with worry or fear. |
| 7 | Safe travels | Psalm 45:2 (Douay-Rheims) | For safe roads, and for everyone far from home. |
| 8 | Trust | Psalm 54:23 (Douay-Rheims) | To hand our worries over to God. |
| 9 | Thanksgiving | Philippians 4:6–7 | In thanks for every favor received, big and small. |
Day 3 is a passage where Jesus answers a question asked by Jude himself (John 14:22–23), and Day 2 comes from the Letter of Jude.
Who St. Jude is
St. Jude Thaddeus was one of the twelve apostles. He is not Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus. Tradition holds that he preached the Gospel far from home and died a martyr. In images he usually holds a staff and wears a medallion with the face of Jesus on his chest, with a small flame above his head for the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Why is he the patron of difficult cases? A common explanation is that, because his name sounded like Judas, people rarely prayed to him for centuries, so he became the saint you turn to when every other door seems closed.
Praying the novena for someone else
You can offer the novena for another person: a family member who is sick, a friend looking for work, someone who has lost their way. Name them in silence at the start of each day, and pray the same prayers. Some families pray it together, one person reading the Scripture and everyone praying the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be aloud.
What if I miss a day?
Pick up where you left off and finish the nine days. A novena is not a formula; it is a way of staying close to God through a hard stretch. On our novena page the days you have already prayed are marked, so you can see where you left off.
After the novena: October 28
On the feast day, many go to Mass, wear green and white, bring a medal or statue to be blessed and give thanks for favors received. Read more about the day in San Judas Day (October 28): the Feast of St. Jude. If you would like to carry St. Jude with you, see our San Judas necklaces and medals.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pray the St. Jude novena at any time of year?
Yes. October 19–27 is the most popular time because it leads into his feast, but the novena can be prayed whenever you need it.
Do I have to pray at the same time every day?
No. A regular time helps you remember, but what matters is praying each of the nine days.
Is St. Jude the same as Judas?
No. St. Jude Thaddeus and Judas Iscariot were two different apostles.
Where does the Scripture on this page come from?
All readings are from the Douay-Rheims Bible, a Catholic English translation in the public domain.