Feast Day: July 25
Patronage: Spain, pilgrims, laborers
Symbols: Scallop shell, pilgrim’s staff, sword
Early Life and Calling
St. James the Greater, the son of Zebedee and Salome, and the brother of John the Apostle, was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. He was a fisherman by trade, working with his brother and father along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus called James and John to follow Him while they were mending their nets, and they immediately left their boat and their father to become His disciples (Matthew 4:21-22).
Close Association with Jesus
James, along with Peter and John, formed a core group of disciples who were particularly close to Jesus. This trio witnessed several significant events, including the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9), the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:37-43), and Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46).
Zealous Nature and Martyrdom
James was known for his zeal and fervor. Jesus nicknamed James and John “Boanerges,” meaning “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17), likely reflecting their passionate and perhaps impetuous nature. This zeal, however, also made James a prime target for persecution. He was the first of the apostles to be martyred. Around 44 AD, King Herod Agrippa I had James beheaded in Jerusalem (Acts 12:1-2), making him the first apostle to suffer martyrdom.
Legends and Pilgrimage
According to tradition, after his martyrdom, James’ body was miraculously transported by angels or by his followers to the Iberian Peninsula, where he had previously preached the Gospel. His relics were said to have been rediscovered in the 9th century in Compostela, Spain. This site became one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in medieval Christendom, known as Santiago de Compostela, which means “St. James of the Field of Stars.”
The pilgrimage route, known as the Camino de Santiago or Way of St. James, remains a popular spiritual journey for pilgrims from around the world, symbolized by the scallop shell.
Legacy
St. James the Greater’s influence and legacy endure in both the religious and cultural life of many. His story is a testament to the fervent faith and missionary zeal that characterized the early apostles. The pilgrimage to his shrine in Santiago de Compostela continues to inspire devotion and reflection, embodying the spirit of the Christian journey toward holiness.
St. James the Greater’s life and martyrdom serve as a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship and the enduring hope of eternal life.