Today is the feast day of St. James the Apostle, also known as James the Greater.
James was an apostle of Jesus along with his brother John, both of whom were sons of Zebedee. James was part of Jesus’ inner circle and witnessed events and miracles such as the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus’ daughter, and Jesus’ agony in the garden.
James, along with his brother John are mentioned multiple times in the Gospels. Jesus gave them the nickname “sons of thunder” after asking if God should “bring down fire from heaven” on Samaritans who insulted them.
James was the first of the apostles to die as he was killed by the sword by King Herod (Acts 12:2).
He is the patron of Spain, Galicia, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Seattle, veterinarians, and pharmacists.
St. James, pray for us!
