St. James the Great

Commemoration Day: 25th July

Saint James is also known as "Saint James the Elder (Major)". He was son of Zebedee, the fisher, and of Salome.

James met Jesus for the first time together with his brother John. He was there during the most important moments in Jesus life like on Mount Tabor, where he saw the transfiguration of Christ, and at Gethsemane the night before Jesus death.

James has been one of the main gospel preachers; he was arrested even before Peter by Herod, who executed him and made of him in this way the first martyr of the Apostles. His remains were brought to Santiago de Compostela, which is why it is believed that James taught the gospel as well in Spain. The name of Santiago de Compostela comes from a legend, which tells about the grave where James were buried that was forgotten by everyone. Only thanks to a bright star, the grave was found the again. The place was firstly called "Starfield" and later Santiago (St. James) de Compostela, which became the famous pilgrimage site.

Today the St. James in Santiago is celebrated with a very big feast. Santiago is the most popular place of pilgrimage together with Rome and Jerusalem.

Representation: as an apostle, as a pilgrim, in the martyrdom, as Moors killer with a horse (knight), with scroll or book, with sword (because he was killed with the sword), with shell, hat, wand, bottle, bag

Patron saint: of Spain, the pilgrims, the warriors, porters, workers, pharmacists, stocking weavers, druggists, Hatter, chandler, chain smiths, the order called after him, apples and crops, for the weather, for rheumatism

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