St. Jude Novena – 9 Days of Prayer

Powerful intercession for desperate situations

St. Jude Thaddeus was one of the twelve apostles, and Catholics have long turned to him when a situation looks beyond help. This novena gathers nine days of prayer around that trust: a brother whose name was so close to Judas that many people forgot to ask him, and who is now invoked for hopeless and desperate causes. Whether you face a stalled diagnosis, a broken friendship or a worry that will not lift, the repeated daily prayer gives you somewhere honest to bring it. His feast, shared with St. Simon, is kept on October 28.

Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude · October 289 dayssaint

A novena is nine consecutive days of prayer. Begin nine days before the feast (October 28) and finish on its eve. You can pray this novena at any time of year.

St. Jude Novena – prayer for all nine days

Intention: For Hope in Desperate Situations

Pray this prayer once a day for nine days in a row.

Traditional Catholic Prayer · National Shrine of St. Jude

More novenas

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena
• St. Joseph Novena
• St. Therese Novena
• St. Anthony of Padua Novena
• St. Rita Novena
• St. Michael the Archangel Novena

Frequently asked questions

When should I start the St. Jude Novena?

To finish on the eve of the feast of Sts. Simon and Jude on October 28, begin on October 19. Many people also start it the moment a hard situation arises, because the novena can be prayed at any time of the year.

How do I pray the St. Jude Novena?

Pray the same prayer once a day for nine days in a row, ideally at a quiet moment, naming your intention aloud or silently each time. If you miss a day, simply carry on the next day with patience.

Who is the St. Jude Novena for?

It is for anyone facing what feels like an impossible or desperate case, including illness, family conflict, work worries or a long wait. It is equally welcome from someone praying on behalf of another person.