Deus, qui nos per beátos Apóstolos tuos Simónem et Judam, ad agnitiónem tuo nóminis veníre tribuísti: da nobis eórum glóriam sempitérnam et proficiéndo celebráre, et celebrándo profícere. Per Dóminum.
Santi Simone e Giuda, ora pro nobis
October 28th is the Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles and Martyrs. Born in Cana, Simon was a Jewish Zealot before his conversion to Christianity; and Jude, also known as Thaddeus (to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot), was the brother (or son) of St. James the Lesser, making him a relative of the Blessed Mother and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Both received the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which is why they are often depicted with tongues of flame on their heads. They travelled widely throughout the Middle East and Western Asia to evangelize and were martyred in Roman Syria circa 65 AD. St. Simon was sawed into pieces, while Jude was either hacked to death with an ax or beaten with a club. St. Simon is the patron saint of curriers, woodcutters, and tanners. St. Jude is the patron saint of desperate situations and lost causes.
In celebration, I’m posting a prayer in Latin and English. The accompanying photo of St. Jude was taken at the now-closed Saint Joseph’s Church (5 Monroe Street) in New York City. Evviva Santi Simone e Giuda!
Prayer
O God, Who hast granted us to come to the knowledge of Thy name through Thy blessed apostles Simon and Jude, grant us to celebrate their everlasting glory by advancing in knowledge and to improve by this celebration. Through our Lord.
