Saint James the Greater
Stored in Cargo: Saint James the Greater
| Saint James the Greater | |
| Feast Day | July 25 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Spain, pilgrims, soldiers |
| Birthplace | Bethsaida, Galilee, Roman Empire |
| Death Place | Jerusalem, Judea, Roman Empire |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom (beheading) |
| Primary Shrine | Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain |
Saint James the Greater (1st century AD – 44 AD), son of Zebedee, was one of Jesus’s twelve apostles, known for his zeal and martyrdom. Born in Bethsaida, Galilee, he witnessed Jesus’s Transfiguration and was beheaded by Herod Agrippa. Canonized pre-Congregation, he is venerated for his apostolic mission.[1]
James is the patron saint of Spain, pilgrims, and soldiers, with his feast day on 25 July. Honored in Catholic, Orthodox Christianity, and Anglican Communion, his relics at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela draw pilgrims. His Camino pilgrimage endures.[2]
Biography
Birth
Saint James was born in the 1st century AD in Bethsaida, Galilee, Roman Empire, to Zebedee and Salome.[1] Bethsaida’s fishing community shaped his early life. His brother, Saint John the Apostle, shared his apostolic call.
His zeal earned him the title “Son of Thunder.”[3]
Early Life
James, a fisherman, was called by Jesus around 30 AD, leaving his nets to become an apostle.[4] He witnessed key events, including the Transfiguration and Gethsemane. Tradition claims he preached in Spain before returning to Jerusalem.
His fiery faith shaped early Christianity.[5]
Occupation
James was an apostle and fisherman.[1] Before Jesus’s call, he fished in Galilee. As an apostle, he preached, performed miracles, and led early Christians, spreading the Gospel.
His mission extended to Spain, per tradition.[6]
Vocation
James’s religious vocation began as Jesus’s apostle around 30 AD.[1] His leadership among the Twelve and presence at Jesus’s key moments defined his calling. Martyred in Jerusalem, he became the first apostle to die for Christ.
His Spanish mission inspired the Camino pilgrimage.[7]
Death
James was martyred in 44 AD in Jerusalem, Judea, beheaded by Herod Agrippa, likely aged 40.[1] His execution, recorded in Acts, strengthened the Church. Tradition claims his body was taken to Santiago de Compostela.
Significant events
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Bethsaida, Galilee, Roman Empire
Death location: Jerusalem, Judea, Roman Empire
Notable location:
Notable location:
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Notable location:
Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
James’s sainthood was recognized early, predating formal processes.[3] No Servant of God phase existed; his apostolic role affirmed sanctity. Gospel and Acts accounts documented his mission.
Devotion grew in Jerusalem.[1]
Venerable
James was not declared Venerable, a later practice.[2] His martyrdom affirmed virtue. Early Church Fathers ensured his status.
This reflects pre-Congregation norms.[5]
Beatification
James did not undergo beatification, formalized post-12th century.[1] His veneration bypassed such stages. Churches honored him with a feast day by the 3rd century.
This aligns with apostolic saints.[3]
Canonization
James was canonized pre-Congregation, with no specific date.[1] His feast day of 25 July was set by the 3rd century. No miracles were required; his martyrdom sufficed.
His veneration thrives in Santiago de Compostela.[8]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
No miracle was required, as James was not beatified.[1] His sainthood rested on apostolic witness. No specific miracles were recorded.
This reflects pre-Congregation norms.[3]
Miracle for canonization
No miracle was required for James’s canonization.[1] His martyrdom sufficed. Posthumous miracles were not documented.
This was standard for apostles.[5]
Other notable miracles
Patronage
Saint James is the patron saint of Spain, pilgrims, and soldiers.[2] His patronage supports pilgrimage.[9]
Feast day
James’s feast day is 25 July, celebrated with Masses in Santiago de Compostela, Orthodox Christianity, and Anglican Communion.[1] Pilgrimages to his cathedral mark the day.[7]
Veneration
Saint James is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.[2] Pilgrims seek his intercession. His relics are displayed on his feast day.
Depicted with a scallop shell, his mission, noted in X posts, inspires pilgrimage.[8][10]
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
- No surviving works; legacy in Acts.[3]
External links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Saint James the Greater". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-james-the-greater/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "St. James the Greater". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=59. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Thurston, Herbert. "St. James the Greater". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08279b.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "St. James the Greater". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-James-the-Greater. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Leonard Foley. "Saint James the Greater". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-james-the-greater/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "St. James the Greater". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-james-the-greater-590. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Fr. Manuel Blanco. "Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela". Archdiocese of Santiago. https://www.catedraldesantiago.es/history. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "St. James the Greater". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/audiences/2004/documents/hf_jp-ii_aud_20040630.html. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. James the Greater". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-james-the-greater. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. James the Greater, Apostle". CatholicSaints via X. 25 July 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/james2023. Retrieved 18 May 2025.