When and How to Pray to St. James the Greater
Pray before a pilgrimage, at the beginning of a journey, or when you need courage to follow Christ. You can include fellow pilgrims and those who cannot travel because of illness or other duties. St. James the Greater’s feast is July 25; a simple nine-day devotion may be prayed July 16–24. When praying for a safe journey, also take sensible precautions and respect local guidance.
Who Is St. James the Greater?
James the Greater was a son of Zebedee and the brother of John, called by Jesus to be an apostle. He witnessed significant moments in Jesus’ ministry and was killed under Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:1–2). Benedict XVI’s catechesis on James presents him as an example of wholehearted discipleship. “Greater” distinguishes him from another apostle named James.
Why Do Pilgrims Pray to St. James?
Pilgrims invoke him because of the longstanding tradition surrounding his shrine at Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The pilgrim’s staff and scallop shell are familiar signs of that devotion. You do not need to walk the Camino to ask his prayers. A pilgrimage can help you set aside distractions and make room for repentance, gratitude, and listening to God.
Is St. James the Greater the Author of the Letter of James?
The Letter of James should not simply be attributed to James the Greater. Several men named James appear in the New Testament, and the apostle honored at Santiago must be distinguished from James associated with the Jerusalem Church. On this page, the prayer is directed to James the Greater, the son of Zebedee and brother of John.