Saint Jude Thaddeus, not to be confused with Judas Iscariot, was one of the twelve apostles and likely a cousin of Jesus. He is the "patron saint of lost causes" because his epistle encourages us to persevere- even in desperate circumstances. During the Great Depression and World War II, devotion to him grew and the National Shrine of Saint Jude in Chicago was established. Saint Jude remains a source of strength and hope for many.