Jude, also called Judas Thaddeus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and the son of one of Mary’s cousins. He is little mentioned in the bible yet is clearly distinguished from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus prior to his crucifixion.
In art he is shown with a flame around his head. This represents his presence at Pentecost, when he received the Holy Spirit with the other apostles. On his chest he holds a medallion of Jesus’ head believed to have cured King Abgar of Edessa (now Turkey) that St. Jude provided shortly after Jesus’ death.
According to tradition, after St. Jude’s martyrdom, pilgrims came to his grave to pray and many of them experienced his powerful intercessions. Thus the title, ‘The Saint for the Hopeless and the Despaired’.
Though not a feast day widely celebrated in San Miguel (though it is in Mexico City), his daily presence is seen most anywhere, even on buses, and heard in most any conversation stating the impossible and one’s need to pray to San Judas. Churches always have a San Judas statue that often is surrounded by the most lit candles in the church carrying prayers up to heaven.
Also the 28th of each month is a special time to ask for St. Jude’s assistance.