Feast Day: October 28
Titles: Apostles and Martyrs
Traditional Collect (1962 Missal):
Deus, qui nos per beátos Apóstolos tuos Simónem et Judam ad agnitiónem nóminis tui veníre voluísti: da nobis eos intercedéntibus; et sempitérna ordínis tui crescere religióne, et in fide perpetua salvari. Per Dóminum…
I. Identity and Mission
Saints Simon and Jude, though lesser known among the Twelve Apostles, stand as towering witnesses to the unity, perseverance, and final victory of the Church’s mission to proclaim Christ to all nations. United in their feast and martyrdom, they are celebrated together in the Roman Martyrology and the Traditional Latin Calendar on October 28.
- Simon the Zealot (also called the Canaanite or Cananaean) is distinguished from Simon Peter and is believed to have belonged to the Jewish sect known as the Zealots, who were noted for their fierce allegiance to the Law and the liberation of Israel. His zealousness, when sanctified by grace, became an instrument of Gospel fervor.
- Jude Thaddeus, not to be confused with Judas Iscariot, is also called Lebbaeus, meaning “man of heart.” He is traditionally identified as the author of the Epistle of Saint Jude, a short but powerful letter that exhorts the faithful to “contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3).
II. Biblical and Historical Witness
The Gospels mention both apostles in the lists of the Twelve (cf. Luke 6:15-16, Matthew 10:3-4, Mark 3:18), but provide few details of their specific apostolic labors. Nevertheless, Sacred Tradition, supported by ancient writings such as those of Eusebius and Saint Jerome, fills in the picture of their missionary activity.
Simon the Zealot:
- According to tradition, Simon preached in Egypt and Persia, laboring in hostile lands where pagan worship and Zoroastrianism dominated.
- He is often depicted with a saw, which tradition says was the instrument of his martyrdom, signifying a brutal end borne with apostolic fortitude.
Jude Thaddeus:
- After preaching in Judea, Samaria, and Mesopotamia, Saint Jude is believed to have joined Simon in Persia.
- His Epistle warns of heresies and apostasy, making him a patron in times of great confusion and trial.
- He is frequently invoked as the Patron of Hopeless Causes, a devotion that grew especially in the early 20th century, though it has older roots in monastic prayer.
III. Martyrdom and Veneration
The two apostles are traditionally believed to have suffered martyrdom together in Persia, perhaps around the year 65 A.D., dying side by side after planting the Church in hostile soil.
- In iconography, they are often depicted together:
- Simon with a saw or fish (symbolizing his former occupation or his mission to be a fisher of men).
- Jude with a club, axe, or an image of Christ (reflecting the miraculous imprint of Christ’s face which, according to legend, Jude brought to King Abgar of Edessa).
Their relics are venerated with great honor in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, beneath the altar of Saint Joseph.
IV. Spiritual Legacy and Devotion
Though little is written about them, the Church honors Simon and Jude as pillars of her apostolic foundation. Their shared feast day is a testimony to:
- Zeal for the faith (Simon)
- Charity and loyalty (Jude)
- Courage in preaching the Gospel even to the point of death
- Patronage in desperate situations, where human help fails but divine grace prevails
✠ Devotional Practices:
- Novena to Saint Jude (especially in difficult circumstances)
- Litany of the Apostles (for fidelity to the Faith)
- Contemplation of the Apostolic Office in the Roman Breviary’s Matins lessons for the feast
V. Liturgical Commemoration (Traditional Latin Rite)
Introit:
Mihi autem nimis honorati sunt amici tui, Deus: nimis confortatus est principatus eorum.
— “Thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honourable: their principality is exceedingly strengthened.”
Gospel (John 15:17–27):
A portion of Christ’s final discourse to His apostles, emphasizing the love and witness expected of those He has chosen: “You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you.”
VI. Reflection
Let the feast of Saints Simon and Jude renew in us a deep love for the apostolic foundations of our holy Faith, a zeal for the truth in a confused age, and the courage to bear witness to Christ, even unto death.
Prayer:
O glorious Apostles Simon and Jude, who gave your lives for love of Christ and His Church, intercede for us in these times of spiritual peril. Obtain for us the grace to remain firm in the Faith, unwavering in charity, and fruitful in apostolic zeal. Amen.