Sts. Simon and Jude

Introduction

A family facing a serious crisis enters a church and kneels before a statue of St. Jude. Their prayers have continued for months, but the situation has not improved. One family member is seriously ill, medical expenses are increasing, and the future appears uncertain. They ask St. Jude to intercede for them, trusting that God hears their prayers even when human solutions seem impossible.

Elsewhere, a parish volunteer works quietly to maintain unity within the community. Differences of opinion have created disagreements, and some members have become discouraged. The volunteer continues encouraging cooperation, reminding everyone that their shared faith in Jesus Christ is more important than personal differences.

These situations reflect two important dimensions of the spirituality associated with Saints Simon and Jude, whom the Catholic Church honors together on October 28.

St. Simon, known as the Zealot, reminds us of the importance of directing our enthusiasm and commitment toward Jesus Christ. St. Jude Thaddeus, widely honored as the patron of difficult and seemingly hopeless causes, encourages Christians to persevere in prayer and remain confident in God’s mercy.

Both belonged to the Twelve Apostles chosen personally by Jesus. Although Sacred Scripture provides relatively little information about their individual lives, their place among the Apostles and the Church’s longstanding devotion to them reveal their importance in the foundation of Christianity.

Their feast invites us to remain faithful during difficulties, seek unity within the Church, and become courageous witnesses of the Gospel.

Who Were Saints Simon and Jude?

Saints Simon and Jude were two of the Twelve Apostles whom Jesus selected to accompany Him during His public ministry and continue His mission after His Resurrection.

Their names appear in the lists of the Apostles preserved in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, as well as in the Acts of the Apostles.

They belonged to the group of men who received special instruction from Jesus, witnessed His ministry, and were entrusted with the responsibility of proclaiming the Gospel.

Simon is called the Zealot in Luke’s Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. Matthew and Mark identify him as the Cananaean, a designation associated with the same idea of religious zeal.

Jude is also known as Thaddeus. He must not be confused with Judas Iscariot, the Apostle who betrayed Jesus.

In Matthew and Mark, the Apostle is listed as Thaddeus, while Luke identifies him as Judas, the son of James.

The Gospel of John mentions an Apostle called Judas, not Iscariot, who asks Jesus an important question during the Last Supper.

The New Testament provides no detailed account of the childhood, family background, or later missionary activities of Simon and Jude.

Ancient Christian traditions associate them with missionary work in regions beyond Palestine, particularly Mesopotamia and Persia. Some traditions describe them as preaching together and eventually suffering martyrdom.

However, the historical details of their journeys and deaths cannot be established with certainty.

The Church honors them as Apostles and martyrs, recognizing their faithful participation in the mission entrusted by Jesus.

Their common feast on October 28 reflects their longstanding association in Christian tradition.

Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles

The calling of Simon and Jude must be understood within the larger mission of Jesus Christ.

Luke’s Gospel describes Jesus spending the night in prayer before selecting twelve men from among His disciples (Lk 6:12–16).

This detail reveals the importance of the decision.

Jesus was not simply choosing a group of assistants to organize His activities. He was establishing the foundation of the community that would continue proclaiming His Gospel after His Ascension.

The number twelve recalls the twelve tribes of Israel and expresses the renewal of God’s people through Jesus Christ.

The Apostles came from different backgrounds.

Some were fishermen, Matthew had worked as a tax collector, and Simon was identified by his religious zeal.

Their personalities, experiences, and expectations were not identical.

Nevertheless, Jesus called them into one community.

He taught them about the Kingdom of God, explained His parables, prepared them for opposition, and gradually revealed the meaning of His saving mission.

Their relationship with Jesus transformed their understanding of discipleship.

They were called not merely to admire His teaching but to participate personally in His mission.

After His Resurrection, Jesus commissioned the Apostles to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19–20).

The Church continues this apostolic mission through the preaching of God’s Word, celebration of the sacraments, and witness of Christian communities.

The calling of Simon and Jude reminds us that Christ does not choose His followers because they possess identical abilities or social backgrounds.

He calls people with different gifts and forms them into one community united by faith and love.

St. Simon the Zealot: A Man of Strong Convictions

Simon is distinguished from Simon Peter by the title Zealot.

The term is connected with a Hebrew and Aramaic expression referring to zeal, enthusiasm, or passionate commitment.

In the Jewish world of the first century, zeal for God and His Law was considered an important religious quality.

Some Jewish groups also strongly opposed Roman domination and sought greater national independence.

Because of Simon’s title, he has sometimes been associated with Jewish nationalist resistance.

However, the Gospels do not provide sufficient information to establish whether Simon belonged to an organized political movement.

His title may simply indicate that he was especially devoted to Jewish religious traditions.

What is certain is that Jesus called him to become an Apostle.

Simon had to learn that the Kingdom proclaimed by Jesus was not founded upon political domination or military power.

Jesus called His disciples to repentance, faith, humility, forgiveness, and love.

When Peter attempted to defend Jesus with a sword during His arrest, Jesus rejected the use of violence to prevent His Passion.

This distinction is important.

Religious enthusiasm can become dangerous when separated from humility, truth, and charity.

A person may sincerely believe that a cause is right while using anger, hostility, or disrespectful methods to promote it.

Simon reminds us that zeal must be purified and directed toward the purposes of Christ.

Christian commitment is not measured by the intensity of our arguments but by fidelity to the Gospel.

The most authentic zeal produces holiness, courage, patience, and love.

Simon and Matthew: Unity Beyond Social Differences

One of the remarkable features of the apostolic community was the presence of Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector.

Their backgrounds represented potentially conflicting attitudes within Jewish society.

Tax collectors often worked within the Roman system of taxation and were frequently regarded with suspicion or resentment by their fellow Jews.

A person strongly committed to Jewish religious identity and national independence might naturally have distrusted someone associated with Roman taxation.

Yet Jesus called both Simon and Matthew into the same apostolic community.

The Gospels do not describe their personal relationship in detail, but their shared calling presents an important lesson.

Jesus did not require His disciples to share identical social backgrounds or previous experiences.

He called them to discover a new identity through their relationship with Him.

Their unity was founded not upon political agreement or personal similarity but upon their common discipleship.

This principle remains essential for parish communities.

Catholics may differ in their professions, financial circumstances, cultural backgrounds, personal preferences, and opinions about community affairs.

These differences need not prevent genuine Christian fellowship.

However, problems arise when personal loyalties become more important than communion in Christ.

A parish should provide a place where people learn to respect one another, cooperate in service, and seek the common good.

Simon and Matthew remind us that Jesus can unite people whom society might otherwise consider opponents.

The unity of the Church becomes a powerful witness when its members overcome divisions through faith and charity.

St. Jude Thaddeus: The Apostle Distinguished from Judas Iscariot

St. Jude was one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus, but his name has sometimes caused confusion because another Apostle was also named Judas.

Judas Iscariot is remembered for betraying Jesus.

Jude Thaddeus, however, remained among the faithful Apostles and is honored by the Church as a saint.

The Gospel lists identify him using different names.

Matthew and Mark call him Thaddeus, while Luke calls him Judas, the son of James.

The Gospel of John explicitly distinguishes him from Judas Iscariot.

The name Thaddeus helped Christians recognize that he was not the Apostle associated with the betrayal of Jesus.

According to certain Christian traditions, Jude was related to Jesus through His extended family. However, the precise nature of this relationship is historically uncertain.

The biblical evidence concerning Jude’s personal background is limited.

His importance rests primarily on his calling as an Apostle and his participation in the foundation of the Church.

Although he does not occupy a prominent place in the Gospel narratives, Jesus entrusted him with the same apostolic mission shared by the other members of the Twelve.

His example reminds us that historical fame is not the measure of Christian faithfulness.

Some Apostles became widely known because their activities were described extensively in Scripture.

Others, like Jude and Simon, remain less visible in the biblical record.

Nevertheless, their contribution belonged to the common mission of proclaiming Jesus Christ.

St. Jude’s Question at the Last Supper

One of the most important biblical passages associated with St. Jude appears during the Last Supper.

Jesus is preparing His disciples for His approaching Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

He speaks about His relationship with the Father, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the continuing presence of God among His disciples.

During this conversation, Judas, not Iscariot, asks why Jesus intends to reveal Himself to His disciples rather than to the world (Jn 14:22).

The question reflects a genuine difficulty.

If Jesus is the promised Savior, why does He not reveal His glory publicly in a manner that everyone can recognize?

Jesus responds by explaining the relationship between love, obedience, and divine presence.

He teaches that those who love Him and keep His Word will experience the loving presence of the Father and the Son.

This response reveals that knowing Jesus involves more than witnessing extraordinary events.

A person must be open to God’s Word and willing to respond through faith and love.

The disciples had expected Jesus to establish His Kingdom in ways they could understand.

His answer invited them to recognize a deeper spiritual reality.

Christ’s presence is revealed through the relationship of faith that develops between God and the believer.

Jude’s question remains relevant today.

We may wonder why God does not make His presence more obvious, immediately remove suffering, or resolve difficulties through visible miracles.

Jesus invites us to discover His presence through faithfulness, prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, and the action of the Holy Spirit.

Jude’s question teaches us that sincere questions can lead to deeper understanding when we bring them to Jesus with humility.

The Letter of Jude and the Defense of Christian Faith

The New Testament contains a short letter bearing the name Jude.

The author identifies himself as Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James.

Christian tradition has frequently associated this author with Jude Thaddeus, although scholars differ about whether the Apostle himself wrote the letter.

The text emphasizes the importance of preserving the Christian faith against misleading teachings and immoral conduct.

It warns believers against those who misuse God’s grace as an excuse for sinful behavior.

The letter also encourages Christians to remain rooted in faith, prayer, and the love of God.

Its message remains relevant in every generation.

Christian communities encounter different opinions, social pressures, and interpretations of religious teaching.

Some ideas may appear attractive because they promise freedom from moral responsibility or reduce Christian discipleship to personal preference.

The Letter of Jude reminds believers that authentic Christian freedom must remain connected with truth and holiness.

God’s mercy is not permission to disregard His commandments.

It is the grace that enables us to repent, grow spiritually, and live according to His will.

The letter also emphasizes the importance of helping those who struggle with doubt.

Christians should respond to uncertainty with patience and compassion rather than immediately condemning those who ask difficult questions.

The preservation of Christian faith requires both fidelity to truth and genuine love for others.

St. Jude: Patron of Difficult and Hopeless Causes

St. Jude Thaddeus is widely honored as the patron saint of difficult, desperate, and seemingly hopeless causes.

This devotion has become especially important among Catholics who face serious illness, family difficulties, unemployment, financial hardship, or other burdens that appear impossible to overcome.

People frequently seek his intercession when ordinary solutions seem insufficient.

The historical development of this patronage is not fully documented, but devotion to St. Jude has become firmly established in Catholic spiritual life.

His association with desperate situations reflects the Christian conviction that no difficulty places a person beyond God’s loving concern.

However, Catholic teaching requires an important distinction.

St. Jude does not possess divine power independently of God.

He is a saint who shares in heavenly glory and intercedes for believers through the merits of Jesus Christ.

All grace and spiritual assistance ultimately come from God.

Praying to St. Jude does not guarantee that every request will be granted in the exact manner we desire.

A person suffering from serious illness may continue to experience physical difficulties despite sincere prayer.

A family facing financial hardship may still need to make difficult decisions and seek practical assistance.

Nevertheless, prayer can strengthen faith, sustain hope, and help people recognize possibilities that fear or discouragement may have obscured.

The devotion to St. Jude invites us to entrust our difficulties to God while responsibly using the assistance available to us.

The Meaning of Hope When Circumstances Appear Impossible

Christian hope is more than optimism.

Optimism expects that events will probably turn out well.

Christian hope rests upon confidence in God’s faithfulness and His promise of eternal life, even when earthly circumstances remain uncertain.

This distinction is especially important in understanding devotion to St. Jude.

A family praying for a seriously ill member naturally desires recovery.

Their prayer expresses love, concern, and confidence in God’s healing power.

Yet faith does not require them to believe that physical healing will certainly occur.

They must also seek appropriate medical care, provide compassionate companionship, and remain open to God’s will.

The deepest foundation of Christian hope is the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Through His Resurrection, Christ reveals that suffering and death do not possess the final victory.

St. Paul teaches that hope enables believers to persevere even during tribulation because God’s love has been poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:1–5).

St. Jude’s patronage reminds us that hope should never be abandoned simply because our circumstances appear overwhelming.

God may strengthen us through unexpected assistance, renewed courage, reconciliation, or the support of people who accompany us.

Sometimes the answer to prayer is not the immediate removal of a burden but the grace to carry it faithfully.

The Missionary Traditions of Saints Simon and Jude

After the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus, the Apostles were entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel to the nations.

The Acts of the Apostles records the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and describes how the Christian message gradually spread beyond Jerusalem.

The New Testament provides detailed accounts of the missionary work of Peter, Paul, and certain other early Christian leaders.

However, it does not describe the later missionary journeys of Simon and Jude.

Ancient Christian traditions associate both Apostles with evangelization in regions east of Palestine.

Some accounts describe Jude preaching in Mesopotamia and other territories, while Simon is associated with missionary activity in different parts of the ancient Near East.

A longstanding tradition presents them as eventually joining together in Persia.

These accounts reflect the Church’s memory of their missionary commitment, but their precise geographical and chronological details cannot be verified historically.

What remains certain is that Simon and Jude were members of the apostolic community commissioned by Jesus.

Their calling involved bearing witness to Christ and participating in the proclamation of the Gospel.

The missionary significance of their lives therefore does not depend on establishing every detail of their later journeys.

Their feast reminds us that the Church received a mission intended for all nations.

Every baptized Christian participates in that mission through personal witness, prayer, charitable service, and support for evangelization.

Martyrdom and the Cost of Faithfulness

Christian tradition honors Simon and Jude as martyrs.

According to some ancient accounts, they suffered death together while proclaiming the Gospel in Persia.

Different traditions describe the circumstances and instruments associated with their martyrdom.

Simon is commonly represented with a saw, while Jude is sometimes shown carrying a club, axe, or other instrument associated with his traditional martyrdom.

These symbols reflect devotional traditions rather than historically established details of their deaths.

Their recognition as martyrs directs attention toward an important dimension of apostolic life.

Following Jesus could involve persecution, rejection, imprisonment, and death.

The Apostles proclaimed a Savior who had been crucified under Roman authority and whom they believed God had raised from the dead.

Their message challenged established religious expectations and social structures.

Jesus had already warned His disciples that they would encounter opposition because of their association with Him.

He encouraged them to remain faithful and trust the assistance of the Holy Spirit.

Martyrdom represents the supreme witness of a Christian who accepts death rather than abandon Christ.

The Church does not encourage believers to seek suffering or provoke violence.

Rather, martyrdom expresses fidelity to Jesus when persecution makes the choice between faith and personal safety unavoidable.

The example of Simon and Jude challenges us to remain faithful when Christian values require courage or sacrifice.

Why the Church Celebrates Simon and Jude Together

The Church has honored Simon and Jude together for many centuries.

Their names appear near one another in the biblical lists of the Apostles, and later Christian tradition closely associates their missionary activities and martyrdom.

Their common feast emphasizes their shared participation in the mission of Christ.

Although the two Apostles had distinct identities, both belonged to the same community of disciples.

This partnership reflects the collaborative character of Christian evangelization.

Jesus did not establish His Church through isolated individuals acting entirely on their own.

He formed a community whose members supported one another and shared responsibility for proclaiming the Gospel.

The Acts of the Apostles describes how the early Christians prayed together, shared their resources, taught the faith, and assisted those in need.

The Church continues this communal mission through bishops, priests, religious, and laypeople.

Different ministries require different abilities.

Some people teach Scripture, others organize charitable programs, some provide financial assistance, and others contribute through prayer and personal service.

The example of Simon and Jude reminds us that Christian mission becomes stronger through cooperation.

The purpose is not personal recognition but the building up of the Body of Christ.

The Apostles as the Foundation of the Church

The liturgy for the Feast of Saints Simon and Jude includes a reading from the Letter to the Ephesians.

St. Paul describes believers as members of God’s household, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself as the cornerstone (Eph 2:19–22).

This image provides a profound understanding of the Church.

A building requires a solid foundation to remain stable.

Likewise, the Church rests upon the apostolic witness to Jesus Christ.

The Apostles received their mission from the Lord and became the first authoritative witnesses of His saving work.

Their teaching was preserved and transmitted through the life of the early Christian community.

Catholic teaching recognizes apostolic succession as an essential part of the Church’s continuity.

Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, bishops succeed the Apostles in their ministry of teaching, sanctifying, and governing the Church.

However, Christ remains the foundation and ultimate head of the Church.

The Apostles possess authority only because Jesus called and commissioned them.

This distinction protects us from treating Church leadership as merely a human system of power.

Pastoral authority must remain faithful to Christ and directed toward the spiritual welfare of His people.

The feast of Simon and Jude reminds Catholics that their faith belongs to a continuous apostolic tradition reaching back to Jesus and His first disciples.

The Symbols of Saints Simon and Jude in Christian Art

Christian art has developed recognizable symbols for both Apostles.

St. Simon is frequently portrayed holding a saw, reflecting the traditional account of his martyrdom.

He may also appear with a book or scroll, representing his responsibility to proclaim the Gospel.

St. Jude is commonly represented carrying a club or axe, symbols associated with traditions concerning his death.

In many devotional images, Jude holds a medallion depicting the face of Jesus Christ.

This representation is connected with the ancient tradition of the Holy Face of Edessa, which associates Jude with the transmission of an image of Christ.

He is also sometimes shown with a flame above his head, recalling Pentecost and the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.

These symbols help believers recognize the saints and reflect on their spiritual mission.

The images do not themselves possess supernatural power.

Catholic devotion to sacred images is directed toward the holy persons represented, and all authentic Christian veneration ultimately leads toward God.

The saw associated with Simon reminds us of faithful witness through sacrifice.

The image of Christ carried by Jude emphasizes his mission of proclaiming Jesus to the world.

The flame of Pentecost recalls that the Apostles did not accomplish their mission through human strength alone.

They were empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The Devotion and Novena to St. Jude

Devotion to St. Jude is particularly widespread in Catholic communities throughout the world.

Many parishes conduct novenas in preparation for his feast on October 28.

A novena consists of prayers offered over nine days, traditionally recalling the period of prayer observed by the disciples between the Ascension of Jesus and Pentecost.

Devotees frequently seek St. Jude’s intercession for serious family problems, illness, employment difficulties, financial concerns, and other intentions.

The devotion has inspired churches, shrines, charitable institutions, and prayer communities dedicated to his patronage.

An important example is the National Shrine of St. Jude in Chicago, established through the efforts of the Claretian missionaries in 1929.

During the economic hardships of the Great Depression, devotion to St. Jude became especially meaningful for families facing unemployment and financial insecurity.

The shrine helped spread the devotion widely throughout the United States.

However, a novena should never be understood as a magical formula guaranteeing a particular result.

The purpose of repeated prayer is to deepen trust, perseverance, and openness to God’s will.

The spiritual value of devotion to St. Jude is greatest when it encourages participation in the sacraments, sincere conversion, and compassionate service.

A person who prays for divine assistance should also remain attentive to opportunities to become an instrument of God’s care for someone else.

A Life Connection

Consider a parish family experiencing a serious financial crisis.

The father has lost his employment, the family’s savings are nearly exhausted, and the parents are worried about meeting their mortgage payments and their children’s educational expenses.

They begin praying a novena to St. Jude, asking for his intercession.

Their prayer provides encouragement during a difficult period, but they also recognize the importance of taking practical steps.

The father continues applying for employment and improving his professional qualifications.

The mother reviews the family budget and seeks advice about available financial assistance.

A trusted parishioner learns about their difficulties and connects them with someone who knows of a suitable job opportunity.

Other members of the parish quietly provide temporary assistance while protecting the family’s privacy and dignity.

Eventually, the father secures employment, although some financial difficulties remain.

The family looks back with gratitude, recognizing the assistance of God through prayer, personal effort, and the kindness of others.

Their experience illustrates an important lesson associated with St. Jude.

Christian hope is not passive waiting.

Prayer strengthens us to persevere, recognize opportunities, and accept assistance without losing our dignity.

It also encourages the wider Christian community to become a source of hope for people who are struggling.

Eucharistic Connection

The Eucharist unites Christians with Jesus Christ and with one another.

Saints Simon and Jude belonged to the apostolic community entrusted with continuing the mission of Jesus after His Resurrection.

As members of the Twelve, they were associated with the community in which Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper.

Through the Eucharistic celebration, the Church continues to participate in Christ’s saving sacrifice.

In the Holy Qurbana, believers gather around the altar to hear the Word of God, offer praise and thanksgiving, and receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

The Eucharist nourishes our communion with Christ and strengthens our unity as members of His Body.

This unity reflects the apostolic fellowship to which Simon and Jude belonged.

St. Paul teaches that because Christians share in the one bread, they become one body in Christ (1 Cor 10:16–17).

Such communion challenges selfishness, rivalry, discrimination, and unnecessary division within parish communities.

The Eucharist also strengthens hope.

When we face difficulties that appear overwhelming, we encounter the crucified and risen Savior who has overcome sin and death.

The same Jesus who called Simon and Jude continues to nourish His Church through the Eucharistic mystery.

Their example encourages us to participate in Holy Qurbana with faith, reverence, and a renewed commitment to Christian unity.

Our communion with Christ at the altar should become visible through our relationships, charitable responsibilities, and willingness to support one another during times of need.

Messages and Call to Conversion

The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude invites us to examine our Christian commitment from several perspectives.

St. Simon challenges us to reconsider the direction of our enthusiasm.

We may possess strong convictions about religion, community affairs, or social issues.

However, do we express these convictions through humility and charity, or do anger and pride sometimes influence our behavior?

His example encourages us to transform personal zeal into faithful service.

St. Jude challenges us to remain confident in God’s mercy when circumstances appear hopeless.

We should not allow suffering, discouragement, or uncertainty to destroy our relationship with God.

At the same time, trust in divine providence should strengthen responsible action.

The example of both Apostles invites us to value Christian unity.

Do we contribute to peace within our families and parish communities?

Are we willing to cooperate with people whose opinions differ from ours?

Their missionary witness reminds us that every Christian shares responsibility for proclaiming the Gospel.

We may do this through teaching, charitable service, family prayer, parish ministries, or personal conversations about faith.

Their martyrdom challenges us to remain faithful even when discipleship requires sacrifice.

This week, we might choose one practical action inspired by their example.

We could reconcile with someone from whom we have become estranged, assist a family facing serious difficulties, participate more attentively in Holy Qurbana, or offer prayers for those who are losing hope.

Families may also pray together through the intercession of St. Jude, especially for people experiencing illness, unemployment, or other burdens.

Parish communities can honor these Apostles by strengthening unity, encouraging evangelization, and providing compassionate support to those facing difficult circumstances.

Above all, Simon and Jude remind us that every Christian vocation finds its meaning in faithful friendship with Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Saints Simon and Jude were among the Twelve Apostles personally chosen by Jesus to share His life and continue His mission.

Although the biblical accounts provide limited information about their individual activities, the Church honors them as faithful witnesses whose lives contributed to the foundation of Christianity.

Simon, remembered as the Zealot, teaches us to direct our enthusiasm toward Christ and express our convictions through humility and charity.

Jude Thaddeus, honored as the patron of difficult and hopeless causes, encourages us to persevere in prayer and trust in God’s mercy.

Their traditional association in missionary work and martyrdom reminds us of the importance of cooperation, courage, and faithfulness.

Their feast also emphasizes the apostolic foundation of the Church and our responsibility to preserve the faith entrusted to us.

As we celebrate their memory, may we develop greater confidence in God’s providence, remain steadfast during difficulties, and work sincerely for unity within our families and parish communities.

May the example of St. Simon inspire us to serve Christ with wholehearted dedication.

May the intercession of St. Jude strengthen those who are discouraged and help them discover hope in the midst of suffering.

Through the prayers of these holy Apostles, may we remain faithful to Jesus Christ, who is the source of our salvation, the foundation of the Church, and the fulfillment of every Christian hope.

Saints Simon and Jude, pray for us.