St. James the Greater
Apostle, son of Zebedee, brother of John (Mt 4:21); with Peter and John of the inner circle present at the Transfiguration and Gethsemane. First apostle martyred, beheaded at Jerusalem by Herod Agrippa I c. 44 (Acts 12:2); ancient Spanish tradition associates his earlier mission and burial with Compostela, one of the three great medieval pilgrimage sites.
Life & Times
Born: 1st century · Died: c. 44 · From: Israel / Jerusalem / Spain, tradition.
Patronage
St. James the Greater is invoked as the patron of spain, pilgrims, veterinarians, laborers. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“We are able.”— Gospel of Mark 10:39 — answered with his brother John when Jesus asked whether they could drink the cup he was to drink.
Shop St. James the Greater Products
Devotional items honoring St. James the Greater, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. James the Greater, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.