Since the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, the street in front of the La Merced Parish, located on 11th Avenue and 5th. zone 1 streetwas full of faithful waiting to enter the temple to greet San Judas Tadeo on his day. The painting dating from the 18th century and found in the temple of La Merced It is one of the most revered in the country.
At 4:30 a.m. entry was allowed, and a concert with marimba music was offered. The temple will remain open until 7:30 p.m., and during the day masses will be celebrated at 5:30, 7, 9, 12, 4, 6, and 7:30 p.m.
Other churches have also organized masses and special activities to commemorate the saint. In Guatemala City there are ancient representations of San Judas Tadeo, such as the 18th century image that is in the Capuchinas temple
Saint Jude Thaddeus was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus; He was the Lord’s cousin. In the Gospels he is mentioned several times, especially in that of Saint John.
After the Ascension of the Lord, Judas Thaddeus received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and preached the Gospel boldly. He brought the Word of God to regions such as Mesopotamia, Armenia and Persia, where he converted many pagans. His apostolic zeal was so great that he finally gave his life for Christ, dying a martyr alongside Saint Simon, it is explained on the page of The Knights of the Virgin, Heralds of the Gospel.
Throughout the centuries, Saint Jude Thaddeus has been recognized as an intercessor in desperate cases. When there are no longer human solutions, many turn to him for comfort, hope and miracles.
The Church venerates him as “the advocate of impossible causes,” because his faith and closeness to Jesus allow him to intercede for those who suffer or have lost hope.
In the images, Saint Jude Thaddeus carries a flame on his head, a symbol of Pentecost. He wears a medallion with the face of Christ and holds a staff or mace, a representation of his martyrdom.
During the year a large number of devotees come with requests or thanks to the saint of lost causes. The miracles granted have been evidenced in multiple votive offerings that have been placed since the 19th century.
What is the prayer to Saint Jude Thaddeus?
There are different prayers dedicated to the saint. We share some of the best known:
Prayer to Saint Jude Thaddeus
Most glorious Apostle of Our Lord Jesus Christ, acclaimed by the faithful with the sweet title of lawyer of desperate cases, make me feel your powerful intercession, alleviating the very serious need in which I find myself. For the close kinship that makes you first cousin of Our Lord Jesus Christ, for the privations and fatigues that you suffered for Him, for the heroic martyrdom that you gladly accepted for His love, for the promise that the divine Savior made to Saint Bridget to console the faithful who turned to your powerful intercession, obtain for me from the God of mercies and from his Most Holy Mother the grace that with unlimited confidence I ask of you. You, my most kind Father, are sure that you will obtain it for me whenever it suits the glory of God and the good of my soul. So be it.
Glorious Apostle Saint Jude Thaddeus, pray for us. (Repeat three times)
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Jude Thaddeus (2)
Oh venerated Saint Jude Thaddeus! Faithful servant and friend of Jesus. There are many who honor you and invoke you throughout the world, as the patron of impossible cases and desperate causes. Pray for me, I feel so helpless and alone.
Please get me visible and quick help. Come quickly to my aid in this time of great tribulation that afflicts my soul so that I can receive the comfort and help of heaven in all my needs, trials and sufferings, particularly in this one (make your request here) and that I can praise God with you forever.
I promise you, blessed Saint Jude Thaddeus, that, always being aware of this great favor that you will obtain for me, I will always honor you as my powerful special patron, and I will encourage your wonderful devotion with enormous gratitude. Amen.