Tomorrow marks the Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, two of the Apostles mentioned in the Biblical lists of Apostles. St. Jude is originally mentioned as Judas, the same name as Judas the traitor. In the early Church, some Christians were confused between St. Jude and Judas. The names were so similar that people were hesitant to pray for St. Jude’s intercession. This hesitancy to ask for his help is what tradition attributes to St. Jude being the patron saint of difficult or impossible causes. Devotion to him was a difficult cause to spread; thus his becoming the patron of difficult causes.
Even 2000 years later, confusion is still possible between St. Jude and Judas. In Spanish, St. Jude is known as San Judas, or San Judas Tadeo. One can see how it would be difficult to distinguish between the two. Remember that Spanish derives from Latin, so the confusion is even more evident with the use of Latin in the Roman Empire.
St. Jude is also known as St. Jude Thaddeus. The word Thaddeus refers to his kind or sweet character.
We have a wonderful selection of St. Jude medals as well as Spanish San Judas Medals. We are particularly proud this year to offer a Giant Sterling Silver St. Jude Medal. Order a St. Jude medal today for yourself or your loved one!