Ss Simon & Jude, feast 28th October

Simon and Jude (also known as Judas or Thaddeus), two of the less­er-known disciples, are still important biblical figures for their close­ness to Jesus and their involvement in the early Church. They are mentioned in the lists of the apostles and accompanied Jesus on His ministry. In Church tradition, Jude is known for performing many miracles, and has a great following as “the saint of the impossible.” Simon, “the Zealot”, may have been part of a movement that op­posed the government of Rome, putting him at odds with Matthew, a tax collector for the Roman government. Only the love of Christ could unite men who were so incredibly different.

(Image: Ugolino di Nerio, Saint Simon and Saint Thaddeus (Jude), c. 1324-1325)