Pray with St. Jude during Advent

A wreath made of pine branches with four lit candles - three of one shade and one of a different shade - arranged in a row.

Prayer to St. Jude for Advent

Lord Jesus, your power is infinite; your glory, everlasting. Quietly you come into the world as an innocent child. Ready my heart for the miracle of your birth. Bring light to the world, as we wait silently for your warmth in the coldness of the night. Bless me with patience and faithful discipline to prayerfully prepare to welcome and greet you. St. Jude, Patron of Hope, pray that Christ’s holiness will flow into me this Advent. May Christmas joy and burning love take root in me and grow to carry the joy beyond me and inspire hope in others. Amen.

National Shrine of St. Jude Advent Meditations

St. Jude is there for us in our Advent preparation for the birth of Christ. As Christmas approaches, lighting the Advent wreath reminds us that God’s love for us is strong. The Claretians will be praying for you this Advent season. We invite you to pray with us each week of Advent with our National Shrine of St. Jude Advent Meditations.

Advent Meditations Week One
Advent Meditations Week Two

Monday, December 8th
Today, we celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. Pray for the gift of a pure heart and for her gentle guidance in times of temptation. The Blessed Mother gave herself over freely to God’s will. May you discern God’s presence in your life so you can continue to say yes to His call to faith.

Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.

Tuesday, December 9th
We devote ourselves to St. Jude, keeping him close to us in prayer. St. Jude, we offer you all of our petitions with gratitude.

The lowly will ever find joy in the Lord, and the poor rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Wednesday, December 10th
Is there an area of your life that is in need of healing? Let St. Jude know your need for guidance, insight, and hope.

Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Thursday, December 11th
Prayer is the foundation of our faith. Turn to God, who knows our needs before we even bring them to Him, and trust that our prayers never go unheard.

I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go. If you would hearken to my commandments, your prosperity would be like a river, and your vindication like the waves of the sea.

Friday, December 12th
Our Lady of Guadalupe offered Juan Diego miraculous roses in winter as a sign of her love for all people. May she protect and bless us as we celebrate her feast today.

Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled. And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior."

Saturday, December 13th
Today we pray for those who have drifted away from the Church. May St. Jude bring them back to Christ’s love and keep them in His care.

You are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

Advent Meditations Week Three
Advent Meditations Week Four