The story of their life
James witnessed the Transfiguration and Gethsemane, learned that greatness means service and became the first apostle whose martyrdom is recorded in Acts.
Saint1st century · Feast July 25
St James the Greater
Also known as James son of Zebedee, James the Great, Santiago, Saint James
Apostle
Martyr
Son of Thunder
An energetic apostle whose ambition was gradually transformed into courageous witness and martyrdom.
A note on content. This profile is a prototype draft. Devotional traditions, historical facts and uncertain traditions will be clearly identified once entries are reviewed. We do not publish invented quotations.
Historical context
Later devotion connected James strongly with the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Defining moments
- Leaving the fishing boat
- Witnessing the Transfiguration
- Learning servant leadership
- Being killed by Herod Agrippa
Faith and spirituality
Zeal purified from ambition into service, endurance and courage.
Why this saint matters today
A companion for ambitious people learning servant leadership and pilgrims undertaking a demanding journey.
Patronage and intercession
People turn to St James the Greater in matters of:
Pilgrims
Spain
Fishermen
People seeking courage
A prayer
God of pilgrimage, through St James’s intercession transform our ambition into service and give us courage for the journey. Amen.
Timeline
Sources and further reading
- https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/07/25.html
- https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/
Source-quality status: unverified prototype