Novena of Renewal: Day 5 Saint Jude’s Comfort

An LGBTQ+ Novena for Recovery

We are now on day five of our novena for recovery and renewal. Thank you for your continued dedication to prayer! In case you missed it, here are the prior days’ prayers and saint bios.

Day 1: St. Augustine
Day 2: St. Monica
Day 3: St. Joan of Arc
Day 4: St. Francis of Assisi

On day five of our novena, we learned from the example of St. Jude.

Day 5: Seeking Saint Jude’s Comfort

“But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” — Jude 1:20–21 (NIV)

We turn to Saint Jude, or Thadeus, the patron saint of desperate causes. Jude was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ to spread his teachings and carry out his mission. His life symbolizes the deep despair, sorrow, immense loss, and confusion that many of us have experienced in our own lives. Despite the limited historical and Biblical accounts of his life, Jude’s unwavering devotion to Jesus and his message of love sets him as an example of hope to Christians. In recovery, we share and experience joys and also deep sorrows. We seek Jude’s intercession for comfort and strength during the most challenging moments of our lives.

St. Jude knew suffering and persecution. Following the Resurrection, he is said to have traveled through Mesopotamia and Persia, spreading the Gospel. He was often met with hostility and ridicule. As we reflect on Saint Jude’s life and witness, we find hope in his unwavering faith and resilience. Particularly for LGBTQ+ persons, Jude serves as a reminder that despite setbacks, misunderstanding, or pain, God is faithful. In invoking his assistance, we find reassurance that even in our darkest hours, we are never alone, and that hope and healing are within reach, guided by the compassionate presence of Saint Jude and the divine grace that sustains us on our path.

“Saint Jude, patron of desperate cases, pray for us.”

Prayer:

Dear Saint Jude, we find comfort and hope in your intercession. Your life was marked by despair, sorrow, immense loss, and confusion, making you a sign of hope for those facing desperate situations. We ask for your intercession to guide us through our moments of despair and confusion.

(Expand the prayer to seek Saint Jude’s intercession, asking for comfort and strength during the darkest times of recovery.)

God of compassion, through Saint Jude’s prayers, grant us the strength to endure moments of desperation, sorrow, and loss. As we navigate the early stages of recovery, be our guiding light when confusion clouds our path. When we try to make sense of faith and spiritual traditions that have not always been kind to our community, give us peace and strength. Help us find comfort in your presence in our most desperate moments.

May Saint Jude’s example of steadfastness inspire us as we journey towards recovery and finding light amid darkness. We humbly seek your presence as we boldly and courageously take these steps towards healing.

Charge for Continued Action:

Reflect on Saint Jude’s life and draw inspiration from his resilience during moments of despair and confusion. Use his example to find hope, even in the darkest times, as you continue your recovery.

Glory to the Creator,
Redeemer, and Sustainer,
As it was in the beginning,
Is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen.