St. James the Greater

Saint James the Greater, also known as James the Elder, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. He was the brother of Saint John the Apostle and the son of Zebedee. James, along with John and Peter, formed an inner circle among the disciples, witnessing several significant events, such as the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden. He was a fervent follower of Jesus and expressed his desire to sit at His right hand in the Kingdom of Heaven. James was the first of the apostles to be martyred, beheaded by Herod Agrippa I, marking him as the first apostle to shed his blood for Christ. His relics are believed to be housed in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide. Saint James the Greater is venerated as the patron saint of pilgrims, Spain, and laborers. His feast day is celebrated on July 25th, and he is remembered for his zealous faith and his role in spreading the Gospel message.