St. Jude Novena
The St. Jude Novena is a traditional nine-day devotion asking the apostle Jude Thaddeus to intercede in a hard or desperate situation. The prayer is old and in the public domain. It is a short act of trust, not a formula that forces an outcome.
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Key takeaways
- Pray the novena prayer nine times a day for nine days, along with the St. Jude prayer.
- It can be prayed at any time of year.
- St. Jude is the patron of hopeless causes; his feast is October 28.
The prayer for every day
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, helper of the hopeless, pray for us.
(Pray this nine times each day, then say the Prayer to St. Jude.)
How to pray it
Each day for nine days
Name your intention at the start, then offer it to God through St. Jude.
O Holy St. Jude, Apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg to whom God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys, and three Glory Bes. St. Jude, pray for us and all who invoke your aid. Amen.
Closing prayer
Many people promise to make St. Jude known or to share their thanks if the prayer is answered. This is a custom of gratitude, not a requirement.
Get a reminder for each day of the St. Jude Novena.
Start praying with Rosary & MercyQuestions people ask
What is a novena?
A novena is nine days of prayer, from the Latin novem, "nine." The practice goes back to the nine days the apostles prayed with Mary between the Ascension and Pentecost (Acts 1:12-14).
Does the St. Jude Novena always work?
The Church teaches that God hears every prayer but answers as he wills (CCC 2735-2737). A novena is a way of asking with persistence, not a guarantee of a specific result.
Do I have to promise to publish the favor?
No. Some printed versions say so, but it is a pious custom of thanksgiving, not a Church rule.
Can I miss a day?
If you miss a day, simply continue and finish the nine days. A novena is an act of devotion, not a legal obligation.
Keep praying
Sources: Jude 1:1-25 · Acts 1:12-14 · Catechism of the Catholic Church 2734-2737, 2683 · USCCB