July 25, Feast of St. James the Greater
Santiago de Compostela, Saint James the Greater, Saint James of Zebedee… The apostle James is known by various names, and more generally for the pilgrimage associated with him. The son of Zebedee, he was one of Christ’s twelve apostles. Christ even nicknamed him and his brother John “the sons of thunder” because of their apostolic zeal. He was one of the three apostles closest to the Savior. He was even chosen by Jesus to witness his Transfiguration and his agony in Gethsemane. Saint James was the first apostle to die a martyr for Christ: “He (Herod) put James, the brother of John, to death by beheading him. Seeing that this action pleased the Jews, he also decided to arrest Peter. This was during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.” Acts of the Apostles 12:2–3.
Before that, Saint James had remained in Jerusalem after Jesus’ death to proclaim the Good News. He then set out for Spain, where he evangelized on a massive scale. He is venerated in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, where he had a vision of the Virgin Mary. He then returned to the Holy Land, where he was martyred. However, his disciples brought his body to Spain, where it was buried near Santiago de Compostela. This is how the place became famous, thanks to the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Saint James then became the patron saint of the Crusaders and of the Reconquista of Spain from the Moors, and later of the entire country. Spain’s various conquests helped spread his veneration throughout the world. Saint James the Greater is therefore celebrated on July 25 as the first martyred apostle.
Prayer to be recited on July 25 for Saint James, son of Zebedee
“Saint James,
You who journeyed along the paths of the world all the way to distant Finisterre to evangelize the peoples, and who, since your blessed journey, have sought to guide the steps of Christendom toward your holy tomb, guiding it by a resplendent star, protecting it from the perils of the ancient paths.
Guide and protect these pilgrims of today who, moved by the same spirit, are making their way to venerate your relics. Grant that their journey to Compostela may be filled with joy and that they may return home with healthy bodies and souls comforted by your ardent faith.
We also ask you, Saint James, that love for one’s neighbor may reign fully along the pilgrimage routes. Amen.”
Continue your prayer with Saint James the Greater through Hozana!
Continue your prayer with Hozana!
Perhaps, through Saint James, you will embark on the beautiful adventure of ! You can also begin by .
