Novena starts for St James the Greater, feast 7/25

Jerusalem, Judea — July 25, 44 AD

News spread quickly—James, son of Zebedee, one of the Twelve, was executed by order of Herod Agrippa. The city is stunned, as souls remember the "greater" apostle, who once walked with Christ.

Life with the Lord

St James the Greater was born in Bethsaida. He and his little brother St John the Evangelist, fished the Sea of Galilee. When Christ called them to seek souls, immediately they dropped their nets and left. They were of God the Son's inner circle—witnessing a dead daughter rise, the Transfiguration and the Gethsemane agony. The brothers’ zeal earned the nickname Boanerges, or “Sons of Thunder,” marking their fierce devotion. After the Ascension, St James evangelized in Spain before returning to Jerusalem, to offer his blood for the crucified Lord.

Camino de Santiago

After his death, his disciples carried his body by boat to Galicia. Centuries later, a tomb believed to be his was rediscovered, and Santiago de Compostela rose as his shrine. Pilgrims walked from every corner of Europe, forming the Camino de Santiago—a river of footsteps, prayers and penance. The Camino remains a living testament to St James’ fiery mission, inviting travelers to seek companionship with Christ.

Novena to St James the Greater

As the first in many sainted categories, St James holds special privileges. The above 9-day novena is a powerful intercession to someone in Jesus’ inner circle who has the ear of God.

Prayer to St James the Greater

You walked where the Master did lead, saw healings & miraculous deeds.
Help us we pray, to walk in His way—with courage to plant sacred seeds.

A martyr of blood not in vain, you drank from the chalice of pain.
Stand by our side, our courage to guide, a pure heart that we seek to attain.

Your relics were carried afar, to Spain as your story’s memoir.
Now hikers who roam, find hearth and a home; for many ’an emotional scar.

St James, holy apostle and friend, your witness endured to the end.
Pray we may be, as faithful as thee; ‘til with Christ, our true King, we ascend.

Sources

Britannica Editors. St. James | Biography, Apostle, the Greater, Death, Feast Day & Facts.

Saint James the Greater — Apostle | Catholic Saints Info. 

Kemp, S. Who Was St. James the Greater? Camino de Santiago.