July 25 is the feast day of St. James the Apostle (aka St. James the Greater). Like a few other apostles, James was a fisherman who immediately followed Jesus after being called by Him. However, James did not pursue this vocation alone, as his brother, John the Evangelist, was also called by Jesus.
Out of the 12 apostles, James was one of the three who witnessed the Transfiguration, the raising to life of Jairus’s daughter, and the agony in Garden of Gethsemani.
After Christ’s crucifixion, St. James travelled to places such as the Iberian Peninsula (an area near Spain), teaching the Word of God. St. James became the first apostle to be martyred when he was killed by King Herod upon returning to Judea (Acts 12:2).
Today, St. James is the patron saint of Spain and pilgrims. The 'Camino de Santiago' ('Way of Saint James') is one of the most popular pilgrimages in the world. It is a 100+ km journey to the site that is traditionally believed to be the resting place of St. James's remains.
Get to know St. James through this Spotify playlist — featuring artists Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and Luke Spehar and themes of being present and on a journey.
