Saints Simon and Jude Thaddeus, Apostles

Saints Simon and Jude Thaddaeus are two of the least known Apostles, although they are among the closest to the Master, since they are two of his cousins, says the vatican saints' calendar. The tradition is quite true in the case of Jude Thaddaeus, since it is deduced from the Scriptures that his father, Alphaeus, was the brother of St. Joseph, according to Vatican News. While his mother, Mary of Cleophas, was a cousin of the Virgin. As for Simon, there are no certainties. 

St. Fortunatus of Poitiers affirms that Simon and Judas Thaddeus were buried in Suanir, the Persian city where they suffered martyrdom. According to tradition, it is almost certain that in this part of the world Simon, called “the Zealot” or “the Canaanite”, set out on the road with his companion of mission and destiny.

There were two Judas who followed Jesus, of whom Thaddaeus is the least known, being named after the one who betrayed him, Iscariot. When the Eleven left Jerusalem to announce the Kingdom of God in other lands, Judas Thaddaeus passed through Galilee and Samaria to go, over the years, to Syria, Armenia and ancient Persia. In this area he met Simon. The preaching of both led to the baptism of thousands of Babylonians and people from other cities, the Vatican agency adds.

Martyrology

The Martyrology Romano writes: “Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude, apostles, the first called Canaanite or Zelotas, and the second, son of James or Thaddaeus. Who, at the Last Supper asked the Lord about his manifestation, receiving this answer. ‘He who loves me will observe my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our abode in him.’” Both were martyred.

St. Jude wrote little. Only one letter of his is found in the Bible. It was a severe criticism against the Gnostics, heresy that separates the corporeal from the spiritual. The physical or corporal is bad, and the spiritual is good. His Letter ends thus: “Eternal glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ, who is able to keep us free from sin, and without spot in the soul and with great joy”.