A Prayer for Protection and Peace

Dear Friend of St. Jude,

Trust can be such a difficult thing, especially in matters of the heart. Broken relationships, broken homes, and broken lives wear us down and affect our ability to trust. We even see trust eroding in our society. People are worried and fearful for our country. They no longer trust government officials, the economy, or community leaders – and this lack of trust destroys every hope for peace.

We long for peace . . . in our hearts, in our families, in our communities and in our world.

It seems that nearly every week, I receive another letter, email, or phone call from people whose hearts and lives are being torn apart by uncertainty and despair. They long for the lasting peace that can only be found by trusting Our Loving God. In the book of John, it is written:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world
gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Even during his own lifetime, St. Jude himself encouraged those who were struggling to persevere in the face of the harsh, difficult circumstances they were in, just as their forefathers had done before them.  He exhorted them to keep their faith and to stay in the love of God as they had been taught – knowing that our loving God will not abandon us!

My friend, if you are among those who are struggling for peace . . . overcome by the worries of the world – I invite you to bring your concerns to St. Jude, Saint of Hopeless Causes.

Today, more than ever before, men and women – entire families – are turning to St. Jude asking him to intercede for them . . . to renew and restore the peace each of us longs for. Please know that prayers are being answered every day!

In addition to the letters I receive from people asking for prayer, we also receive letters from those whose lives have been renewed thanks to the intercession of St. Jude. Let me share just a few of the recent letters I have received:

“I want to publicly thank and encourage devotion to St. Jude. I recently lost income from my job and was having problems in my marriage. I asked St. Jude to pray for grace and mercy on my behalf. A temporary job was practically placed in my lap which has provided me with the means to meet my financial obligations, and I now feel the peace of God in my home. I know that it is only because of St. Jude’s intercessory prayers that I am worry free and able to make it through this difficult time.” – R

“In December, I had surgery to have an ovarian cyst removed. They found two cysts – one benign and the other borderline. Since they weren’t sure what to do with the borderline cyst, they closed me up. I found out in February that I needed to have a total hysterectomy. I was really beside myself, having panic attacks, and depressed. Having an 8-year old and a 3-year old did not make it easy. I decided to do a Novena to St. Jude. I prayed and got through the surgery with very little pain. I had not one panic attack and was very calm. The biopsies came back fine. I believe with all my heart that my prayers were answered. I still pray for peace in my life. Thank you.” – Debi

“Thank you, St. Jude. I was in such despair from my break up with a man that I had hoped to marry. I found it hard to concentrate on my career and responsibilities. If I could have, I would have slept my life away. Only three days after starting my Novena to St. Jude, I found such peace and strength. I was able to focus on the present and move on. I’m helping to teach a class and my career is on the right track again. I am now telling all my friends to invoke the name of St. Jude for help.” – Isabel

Just as these prayers (and countless others) have been answered through the intercession of St. Jude, yours can be as well. We are reminded throughout Sacred Scripture, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart . . . and He will make straight your paths.” That’s what St. Jude did, and he is waiting to intercede for you in your worries and concerns. Please, will you send your petitions and intentions to us so that we can lift them up to St. Jude in prayer? We want to do that for you!

I also humbly ask that you consider sending a donation of $15, $25, $35 or even $50 as an offering for the poor! Your donations provide tangible relief aid such as food, medicine, clean drinking water and shelter to those in our missions around the world. Your gift also helps support the ongoing work of St. Jude Shrine – allowing us to continue helping those like yourself who long for peace in their lives and in the lives of their families.

God bless you for your continued prayers and generosity.

Wishing you the Hope of St. Jude,

Fr. Peter Sticco, S.A.C.
Novena Director

P.S. When you send your donation, please be sure to include your prayer petitions for St. Jude. He is the faithful intercessor of all who invoke his special patronage in times of need. Once I receive your petitions, I will make sure that they are remembered in the prayers, Novenas and Masses at our Shrine and on the tomb of St. Jude in the Vatican. Thank you again for your support!