My family patron saint

On my Hispanic side we pray to this saint and right now all prayers are needed for my father:

 

SAINT JUDE

 

The Apostle Saint Jude Thaddeus is “The Miraculous Saint,” the Catholic Patron Saint of “lost causes” and “cases despaired of.”When all other avenues are closed, he is the one to call upon, and his help often comes at the last moment.

Dressed in green and white Biblical-era clothing — for he was one of the Disciples of Jesus — he is distinguished by the fact that he often wears and holds a golden metal pendant of the type carried by people seeking his aid. Additionally, in some images of Saint Jude, there is a small flame atop his head, signifying the Baptism by Fire (also known as the Baptism of the Holy Ghost) which was received by the Disciples of Jesus at Pentecost.

Saint Jude is one whose aid is sought when all hope is lost, especially in grave health matters and life-and-death situations. It is customary to make a vow that if he helps when called upon, one will publish a notice of thanks in the newspaper. Thus there often appear in the Personals column of newspaper classified ads ex-votos to this effect. The typical wording is a terse, “Thank you, St. Jude.” or “St. Jude, I thank you for your intercession in response to my prayers.” Each one of those notices represents a prayer that was answered by Saint Jude. This magnifies the saint’s name and gives hope to those who read the notice and realize that they too may find, through Saint Jude, the help they sorely need.