Ode to St. Jude: Prequel to Day of the Dead Celebration
Tara A. Spears
Consider the observance one of faith or if you are not a believer, honoring San Judas Tadeo October 28 is simply another excuse for a party. To me, the role of the feast of St. Jude is similar to that of a warm up band with the main attraction being the Day of the Dead festival.
I was unaware of St. Jude Tadeo until moving to Mexico and then learned that he has significant importance- he’s the number one saint! Don’t confuse St. Jude with the narco saint-Jesus Malverde, or the bad apostle, Judas Iscariate. This Jude is credited with many miracles and is the go-to liaison with the higher power. Jude is considered to be a direct intercessor to Jesus Christ as a saint to appeal to in difficult and desperate situations. People often invoke his help with personal problems, legal problems, work issues and family.
As the saint of lost causes he’s been adopted by the marginalized, the poor, the downtrodden of Mexico. Juvenile and not-so-juvenile delinquents look to San Judas as their personal protector. Devotees honor the saint by carrying statues and images, lighting green candles, and presenting flowers or handwritten petitions as expressions of gratitude. It is also common to wear or gift medals and bracelets of Saint Judas, symbolizing a request for his protection and guidance. The saint is one of the most venerated saints in Mexico and is historically associated with criminals and organized crime.
Globally, Saint Jude is considered the patron for lost causes. Back when Danny Thomas didn’t have a career he prayed to St. Jude as it was a lost cause. After becoming a TV star, Thomas started building hospitals to St. Jude across the US for terminally ill children because of their bleak outlook.
According to El Universal, as the patron of impossible causes, St. Jude is the one to whom people turn for help in desperate situations. Saint Jude Thaddeus is asked for miracles for adverse situations. Mexican devotees turn to him to find employment, financial difficulties or to obtain a house. Saint Jude Thaddeus is acclaimed for his ability to intercede in difficult situations.
One local believer explained the devotion to San Judas Tadeo: “We pray the St. Jude Novena to lead us in prayer for hope and strength during difficult times in our lives and in the lives of others. St. Jude sought to love the Lord through challenging times, so we strive to imitate this same unwavering faith.”
San Judas is depicted with an image of Jesus on his chest, which looks like a giant golden coin. Many of his followers believe he can help them with their money troubles. In fact, St Judas Thaddeus is so popular that you can get related items on Amazon starting at $39.99.
Jude is also depicted holding an axe or a club, which is a symbol of his martyred death, but in the eyes of his believers it has made him the defender of the defenseless, including of thieves and criminals of Mexico’s underbelly.
Just this week I noticed three San Judas altars around town. These devotional altars include offerings as a sign of gratitude and devotion. Typical items can include candles, flowers, or symbolic objects that represent your request or are associated with the saint. Although St Jude’s special day is the 28th, the altars remain until after the festival of Day of the Dead observance.
Locally, La Penita has a wonderful 3-day event that includes a parade, Catrina competition, and altar contest-all centered around the town plaza. Another must-see event is the spectacular Las Varas Day of the Dead festival. This town is just a 20 minute taxi or drive to the village.
Regardless of your religion, the observance of San Judas Tadeo and the three-day festival of Day of the Dead is an exciting and colorful event. Be sure to bring your camera to preserve this slice of Mexican culture.
