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- Spain
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- Every July 25
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The Feast of St. James honors Saint James the Great, one of Jesus’s first apostles, every July 25. This significant religious observance, particularly vibrant in Spain, invites reflection on faith and pilgrimage. Discover the rich history and traditions of this special day.
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History of Feast of St. James
Apostle James was one of the first of the 12 apostles to be recruited by Jesus. He was recruited by Jesus while fishing on the sea of Galilee with his younger brother, John. He was called to help spread the gospel and together with Peter, Andrew and John. James formed the inner circle of Jesus. He was also one of the three people to witness the transfiguration of Jesus, the agony at Gethsemane, and the raising to life of the daughter of Jairus.
After Jesus was put to death and ascended into heaven, his apostles moved far and wide to spread the gospel and James’ travels took him to Spain. Unfortunately, his preaching was not received with open arms, and he was arrested in Grenada. He was soon released and he took his message to Galicia.
In January 40 A.D., James was preaching the gospel on the bank of the Ebro river, a river of the north and northeast of the Iberian Peninsula in Spain that flows into the Mediterranean Sea. While he was there, Mary the mother of Jesus, appeared to him on a pillar and advised him to return to Jerusalem once the Church had been built. The pillar remains today and is placed at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, Spain.
James returned to Jerusalem in 44 A.D. and was taken prisoner upon his arrival under the rule of King Herod Agrippa I. The king put James to death, making him a martyr, and his body was taken by his devotees and was buried at the Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.
Feast of St. James timeline
James alongside his brother becomes part of Jesus’ 12 apostles.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, appears to James and tells him to return to Jerusalem.
James returns to Jerusalem and is put to death, thus becoming a martyr.
Today, the Feast of Saint James the Apostle is celebrated in Spain and countries worldwide.
Feast of St. James FAQs
When is Feast of St. James?
The Feast of St. James in 2026 falls on Saturday, July 25. This day is a significant religious observance, especially in Spain, honoring Saint James the Great.
How many pilgrims walk the Camino de Santiago each year?
In recent years, the number of pilgrims completing the Camino de Santiago has consistently exceeded 300,000 annually, with a record of over 446,000 in 2023. This figure highlights the enduring appeal of the ancient pilgrimage route.
Is St. James the patron saint of other places?
Yes, in addition to being the patron saint of Spain and Galicia, St. James the Great is also the patron saint of numerous other places. These include Nicaragua, Guatemala, and various cities and dioceses across the globe, reflecting his widespread veneration.
What is the significance of Santiago de Compostela?
Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia, Spain, and the traditional end point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Its magnificent cathedral is believed to house the remains of Saint James the Great, making it one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage sites.
How to Observe Feast of St. James
Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar
Pay a pilgrimage visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, Spain. This will be a truly spiritually enriching experience.
Say a prayer
Celebrate the day by saying a prayer. Today will be the perfect day to make a prayer dedicated to Saint James the Greater.
Preach the gospel
Commemorate the day by preaching the gospel. Anyone who would lend an ear to listen should be attended to.
The First 5 Apostles Of Jesus
The Apostle Simon
He is popularly known by the name Peter. He became the first Pope of the church.
The Apostle Andrew
He was chosen alongside his brother Simon and is considered to be the second apostle.
The Apostle James
He was also chosen while fishing with his brother and father and became Jesus’ third apostle.
The Apostle John
He is known as John the Beloved and was the fourth apostle of Jesus.
The Apostle Philip
He was the fifth apostle of Jesus and he preached in Greece, Syria, and Phrygia.
Why Feast of St. James is Important
The day enriches us spirituality.
Celebrating the day helps us build our spirituality. Seeing how someone lived his life, despite the challenges he faced helps us be closer to our spirituality.
It increases our knowledge.
When days like the Feast of Saint James the Apostle come up, we tend to go find out more about the day. Since no knowledge is wasted, learning more about a person like Saint James is a positive experience.
It shows appreciation for good works.
A day life the Feast of Saint James the Apostle shows us the good things that people do for others. While not many can do what Saint James did, it’s good to appreciate those who can.
