St. James the Greater
Apostle, Son of Thunder
Feast Day: July 25
Biography
St. James the Greater, son of Zebedee and brother of John, was one of the first disciples called by Jesus and one of the inner circle of three (with Peter and John). Jesus nicknamed the brothers 'Boanerges' — Sons of Thunder — for their fiery temperament. James witnessed the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden. He was the first Apostle to be martyred, beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I around 44 AD (Acts 12:2). According to tradition, he preached in Spain before his death, and his relics were later translated to Santiago de Compostela, which became one of the greatest pilgrimage sites in Christendom.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. James, Apostle and martyr, who drank the chalice of suffering for Christ, obtain for me the courage to follow the Lord wherever He leads. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. James the Greater, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. James the Greater, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.