Our Patron Saint: St James the Great

St James the Great, also known as James the son of Zebedee, was one of the twelve apostles. He was the brother of John and they were known as the ‘Sons of Thunder’ for their fiery personalities.

James and John were fishermen and they were by the seashore when Jesus called them to follow him. James, John and Peter were at some of the most significant events in Jesus’ life, including The Raising of Jairus’ daughter and The Transfiguration of Jesus. This close relationship with Jesus showed that James was highly trusted. After Jesus’ death and resurrection James was the first apostle to be martyred and his death was a significant event in the early Christian Church. It is believed to have occurred around AD 44.

Following his death, James’ body was taken to Spain where he was buried. Over time, a cathedral was built on the site of his tomb and it became a place of pilgrimage. The pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is known as the Camino de Santiago. St James the Great is a symbol of strength and courage. His faith in Jesus and his willingness to lay down his life for his beliefs are a testament to the power of faith and the importance of standing up for what we believe in. St James the Great’s feast day is celebrated on 25th July.