Novena Prayer to Saint Jude for Serious Illness
Saint Jude is known throughout the Catholic world as the patron of hopeless and desperate cases — including illnesses that doctors struggle to treat. This is the traditional opening prayer of his novena, prayed by families facing a frightening diagnosis for generations.
Most holy apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use, I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in this serious illness, as I make a novena to you. I promise, O blessed Saint Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron. Amen.
