St. James the Greater

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Early life and calling
  • Family: James was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and the elder brother of St. John the Evangelist.
  • Profession: He worked as a fisherman with his father, brother, and partner Simon in the Sea of Galilee.
  • The Call: Jesus called James and John to follow him while they were mending their nets.
  • Discipleship: James readily accepted Jesus's invitation and became one of his closest disciples, witnessing pivotal moments like the Transfiguration and Jesus's agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Boanerges) 
  • "Sons of Thunder" Jesus gave James and John the nickname "Sons of Thunder" possibly due to their fiery and zealous personalities. 
Missionary work
  • Spreading the Gospel: After Jesus's death and resurrection, James embarked on missionary journeys to spread the teachings of Christ.
  • Spain: Tradition holds that James preached the Gospel in the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) before returning to Judea. 
Martyrdom
  • Execution: James was martyred around 44 AD in Jerusalem by order of King Herod Agrippa I, who had him beheaded. He was the first apostle to die for his faith.
  • Burial in Compostela: Legend says his followers brought his body by sea to Galicia in northwestern Spain, where it was eventually buried in Santiago de Compostela. 
Legacy and veneration
  • Camino de Santiago: The Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago), a famous pilgrimage route, leads to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where James's relics are believed to be housed.
  • Patron Saint: St. James the Greater is the patron saint of Spain and pilgrims. He is also invoked against arthritis and rheumatism.
  • Feast Day: His feast day is celebrated annually on July 25. St. James the Greater became a saint by Preaching the gospel in Israel/Judea and Spain. 

  • A few of his characteristics can we adapt:

  • 1. Promptness and Enthusiasm in Responding to God's Call
  • 2. Courage and Boldness in Witnessing to Faith
  • 3. Deepening Relationship with Christ
  • 4. Journey of Humility and Service



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