About St. James the Apostle
Saint James the Great was one of the first disciples called by Jesus Christ and one of the Twelve Apostles. He was the son of Zebedee and the brother of Saint John the Apostle. Together with Peter and John, James belonged to the inner circle of disciples who witnessed some of the most significant moments of Christ’s ministry, including the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
After the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus, St. James courageously preached the Gospel. According to ancient Christian tradition, he evangelized parts of Spain before returning to Jerusalem. Around A.D. 44, he became the first of the Twelve Apostles to be martyred when he was put to death by Herod Agrippa I.
His relics are traditionally venerated in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage destinations. Millions of pilgrims travel the Camino de Santiago each year, inspired by St. James’s example of courage, perseverance, and faithful service to Christ.
Today, St. James the Apostle is honored as the patron saint of Spain and of pilgrims, encouraging Christians everywhere to follow Jesus with unwavering faith and courage.
Who was Saint James the Great?
St. James the Great was one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. He was among the Lord’s closest disciples and witnessed the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus’ daughter, and Jesus’ Agony in the Garden.
What is St. James the Apostle the patron saint of?
St. James is the patron saint of:
- Spain
- Pilgrims
- Travelers
- Laborers
- Those seeking courage and perseverance in the Christian life
What do people pray for in the St. James the Apostle Novena?
Many Catholics pray this novena for:
- Courage to follow Christ
- Strength during trials
- Protection while traveling
- Perseverance in faith
- Spiritual growth
- Guidance in life’s journey
When is the feast day of Saint James the Great?
The feast of St. James the Apostle is celebrated on July 25.
Why should I pray the St. James the Apostle Novena?
The St. James the Apostle Novena is prayed to seek his intercession for courage, perseverance, and unwavering faith. His life reminds us to follow Christ generously, remain faithful through every trial, and trust in God’s promise of eternal life.
| Novena Begins: | July 16 |
| Feast Day: | July 25 |
Day 1 – St. James The Greater Novena
et us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Apostle, Saint James, by reason of your fervent and generous heart, you were chosen by Jesus to witness His glory on Mount Tabor and His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Your very name is a symbol of courage, spiritual warfare, and victory. Obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending battle of this life, that by constantly and generously following Jesus, we may overcome every trial and, at last, deserve to receive the victor’s crown in heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint James the Apostle, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. James The Greater Novena
et us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Apostle, Saint James, by reason of your fervent and generous heart, you were chosen by Jesus to witness His glory on Mount Tabor and His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Your very name is a symbol of courage, spiritual warfare, and victory. Obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending battle of this life, that by constantly and generously following Jesus, we may overcome every trial and, at last, deserve to receive the victor’s crown in heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint James the Apostle, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. James The Greater Novena
et us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Apostle, Saint James, by reason of your fervent and generous heart, you were chosen by Jesus to witness His glory on Mount Tabor and His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Your very name is a symbol of courage, spiritual warfare, and victory. Obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending battle of this life, that by constantly and generously following Jesus, we may overcome every trial and, at last, deserve to receive the victor’s crown in heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint James the Apostle, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. James The Greater Novena
et us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Apostle, Saint James, by reason of your fervent and generous heart, you were chosen by Jesus to witness His glory on Mount Tabor and His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Your very name is a symbol of courage, spiritual warfare, and victory. Obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending battle of this life, that by constantly and generously following Jesus, we may overcome every trial and, at last, deserve to receive the victor’s crown in heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint James the Apostle, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. James The Greater Novena
et us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Apostle, Saint James, by reason of your fervent and generous heart, you were chosen by Jesus to witness His glory on Mount Tabor and His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Your very name is a symbol of courage, spiritual warfare, and victory. Obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending battle of this life, that by constantly and generously following Jesus, we may overcome every trial and, at last, deserve to receive the victor’s crown in heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint James the Apostle, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. James The Greater Novena
et us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Apostle, Saint James, by reason of your fervent and generous heart, you were chosen by Jesus to witness His glory on Mount Tabor and His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Your very name is a symbol of courage, spiritual warfare, and victory. Obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending battle of this life, that by constantly and generously following Jesus, we may overcome every trial and, at last, deserve to receive the victor’s crown in heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint James the Apostle, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. James The Greater Novena
et us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Apostle, Saint James, by reason of your fervent and generous heart, you were chosen by Jesus to witness His glory on Mount Tabor and His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Your very name is a symbol of courage, spiritual warfare, and victory. Obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending battle of this life, that by constantly and generously following Jesus, we may overcome every trial and, at last, deserve to receive the victor’s crown in heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint James the Apostle, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. James The Greater Novena
et us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Apostle, Saint James, by reason of your fervent and generous heart, you were chosen by Jesus to witness His glory on Mount Tabor and His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Your very name is a symbol of courage, spiritual warfare, and victory. Obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending battle of this life, that by constantly and generously following Jesus, we may overcome every trial and, at last, deserve to receive the victor’s crown in heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint James the Apostle, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. James The Greater Novena
et us begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious Apostle, Saint James, by reason of your fervent and generous heart, you were chosen by Jesus to witness His glory on Mount Tabor and His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Your very name is a symbol of courage, spiritual warfare, and victory. Obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending battle of this life, that by constantly and generously following Jesus, we may overcome every trial and, at last, deserve to receive the victor’s crown in heaven.
Amen.
(Mention your request here…)
Saint James the Apostle, pray for us.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…