Rising 240 meters above the city, Morro de São Judas Tadeu stands tall. It is a part of the hills that form the Santa Teresa neighborhood. This location places it between Laranjeiras and Rio Comprido.
Morro de São Judas Tadeu offers more than just a scenic view. It is named after Saint Jude Thaddeus. He was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. Saint Jude was the son of Cleophas. Cleophas was the brother of Saint Joseph. His mother Mary was the sister of Our Lady. Thus, Saint Jude was Jesus’ cousin. Some say he looked very much like Jesus. Saint Jude was also the brother of Saint James. James was known as “The Lesser”. He was also the brother of Saint Simon. Both were disciples of Jesus. The name Judas means “God be praised”.
Some scholars think Saint Simon was the groom at the wedding in Cana. It was in Galilee where Jesus performed his first miracle. He turned water into wine there. Saint Jude may have witnessed this miracle. This could be why he became a disciple. Luke also calls Judas “Zealot”. Some scholars say “zealot” means zealous. Others say he was a member of the Zealots. They fought against Roman rule in Israel.
Saint Jude is the author of the shortest letter in the New Testament. It is called ‘The Letter of Jude’. He wrote this letter with love and care. Jude worried about keeping the faith in Jesus pure. He also cared about the reputation of Christians. He wanted to warn the early Church about false prophets.
After preaching in Egypt, Simon met Jude. They went to Persia to spread the word. Writings from the 6th century tell of their martyrdom. Simon and Jude were killed in Sufian, Persia. They died for preaching about Jesus Christ. Because of their preaching, many Persians became Christians. This angered the powerful Persians. So, they sentenced them to death. Many believe Saint Jude was beheaded. This was a common punishment used by Persians.
Many converted after seeing Saint Jude’s courage. Saint Jude is often shown holding an axe. This refers to how he was killed. People believe his relics are in Rheims and Touluse, France. For centuries, Christians have honored Saint Jude. He is known as the “Saint of Lost Causes”.
Saint Jude is often confused with Judas Iscariot. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus. Because of this, the name Judas became associated with traitors. Saint Bridget said Jesus wanted to fix this. Jesus told her to ask for Saint Jude’s help. He wanted to grant graces to people through Saint Jude. That is why devotion to Saint Jude is strong today. People know him as the advocate for lost or difficult causes.
As you stand on Morro de São Judas Tadeu remember Saint Jude’s legacy. He is a beacon of hope for those in need. The story of Saint Jude is a testament to faith. It also shows the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.