St Simon and Jude

Apostles and martyrs. According to Matthew and Mark, Simon was a Canaanite. Saint Luke described him as a zealot. Saint Jude is also described as a relative of Jesus and the brother of James.

According to Western tradition, Jude joined Simon preaching the Gospel in Persia where both were martyred.

In modern times, St Jude has been evoked as the patron of hopeless cases. This tradition is said to have originated because few people asked him to pray for them, as his name so closely resembled that of Judas. Consequently, he favours even those in the most desperate situations.

There are at least three ancient churches in England dedicated to Saints Simon and Jude together, but none to either of them alone.

The relics of the two saints are said to have been moved to St Peter's in Rome in the 7th century. In art, St Jude's usual symbol is a club - the instrument of his death. In East Anglian churches he is often depicted holding a ship, while Simon holds a fish.

Celebrations for the Feast of St Jude take place this weekend in England at his National Shrine in Faversham, Kent.

See: www.stjudeshrine.org.uk