Saint James the Greater | |
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![]() Saint James the Elder by Rembrandt He is depicted clothed as a pilgrim; note the scallop shell on his shoulder and his staff and pilgrim's hat beside him his symbol is also the carpenter saw. | |
Apostle and Martyr | |
Born | 1st century Bethsaida, Galilee |
Died | 44 AD Judea |
Venerated in | All Christianity |
Canonized | Pre-Congregation |
Major shrine | Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia (Spain) |
Feast | 25 July (Western Christianity) 30 April (Eastern Christianity) 30 December (Hispanic Church) |
Attributes | Scallop, Pilgrim's hat |
Patronage | Places Acoma Pueblo, Sahuayo, Santiago de Querétaro, Galicia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Spain Professions Veterinarians, equestrians, furriers, tanners, pharmacists |
Saint James, son of Zebedee (death 44 AD) was one of the apostles of Jesus. He was the son of Zebedee and Salome and brother of John the Evangelist. He is called Saint James the Greater to distinguish (mark as different) him from the other apostle named James (James, son of Alphaeus). James is described as one of the first disciples who joined Jesus. The Synoptic Gospels tell that James and John were with their father by the seashore when Jesus called them to begin traveling (Mt.4:21–22, Mk.1:19–20). According to Mark, James and John were called Boanerges, or the "Sons of Thunder" (3:17). Acts of the Apostles 12:1–2 records that King Herod had James executed by sword (Ac.12:1–2). He was likely the first of the apostles martyred for his faith.