Patron of lost causes

STJUDE

This saint is often invoked for desperate situations and is depicted holding an image of Jesus, known as the "Apostle of the Impossible." His feast day falls in late October.

This clue refers to Saint Jude, known in Christianity as the patron saint of hopeless or desperate situations. The term "lost causes" directly ties to his role as the saint people pray to when facing seemingly impossible challenges. The answer is shortened to "STJUDE" to fit crossword conventions, dropping "Saint" for brevity.