St. James the Great Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about St. James the Great Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. St. James the Great Day is observed on July 25th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of St. James the Great Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you may want to know about St. James the Great Day.

📅 What day is St. James the Great Day 2024?

In 2024, St. James the Great Day is on Tuesday, July 25th. It is the 4th Tuesday in July; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the exciting details and facts about July 25, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

On July 25th, we celebrate St. James the Great Day, who was the brother of John the Apostle and the son of Zebedee and Salome. This day is also known as Galicia Day, as St. James is the patron saint of Galicia and Spain. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, is said to house his relics. When St. James the Great’s feast day falls on a Sunday, the following year is designated as a Camino Holy Year, or Year of Compostela. During these special years, devotees can receive a plenary indulgence.

📜 St. James the Great Day History

Peter, John, and James were three apostles who had a close relationship with Jesus. Out of the three, Peter and John were particularly close to Jesus. James, also known as James the Lesser, was distinguished from James the Greater, possibly because he was younger or smaller. Unfortunately, James the Lesser was the first apostle to die, as he was executed by Herod Agrippa in Jerusalem in 44 AD. There are different legends surrounding his death, with some saying he preached in Spain before passing away, while others believe his remains were transported there. His disciples brought his remains to the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Santiago de Compostela in present-day Galicia, Spain, where they are believed to be buried. Legend has it that his body was transported on a ship without sails or a rudder and arrived on the northwest coast of the peninsula. They then traveled to Iria Flavia through the Ulla River. When James’ companions requested permission from Queen Lupia, she denied them and sent soldiers after them. As the soldiers pursued James’ followers over a bridge with his body, the bridge collapsed and the soldiers perished. St. James the Great is not only the patron saint of Spain, but also of other Latin American countries, laborers, travelers, and those with rheumatism. In Glendale, Arizona, he is honored as the patron saint of St. James Roman Catholic Parish.

✅ St. James the Great Day Facts

🔖 His martyrdom is recorded in the Bible
The New Testament only mentions the martyrdom of one apostle, which is St. James the Great (Acts 12:2).

🔖 He is patron of many professions

🔖 He was the first apostle killed
Around 44 A.D., Herod Agrippa gave the order to execute St. James the Great, making him the first apostle to be killed.

👍 Why Is St. James the Great Day Important

It is a day to remember to pray to St. James the Great. St. James the Great is frequently depicted as a pilgrim with a staff, gourd, and scallop shell, or holding a book in prayer and novena cards. In religious art, he is seen galloping into battle on a white horse, trampling adversaries beneath him. We should seek his intercession to aid us in our spiritual struggle.

Religious holidays and observances bring people together. On this day, Catholics often attend mass and spend time with family and friends.

The feast day of the saint reminds us not only to avoid sin but also to perform corporal and spiritual works of mercy. It is a chance for Catholics and Christians to bear witness to Christ.

🙂 How To Observe St. James the Great Day

⚡ Make an altar

⚡ Attend special services in church
During the saint’s feast day, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela hosts unique services. A priest performs a ritual where a large incense burner is spun rapidly. As a result, the church becomes filled with the scent of incense and the smoke spreads throughout.

⚡ Visit souvenir shops in Santiago
Make an altar outside your home. Place a picture of St. James, a crucifix, a tiny figure of the Blessed Virgin, flowers in a small vase, and a candle on your altar table. inviting neighbors and friends to pray for “the strength to fight the good fight to be worthy followers of Christ.” Then say “Our Father” and “Hail Mary.”

📅 When is St. James the Great Day?

View all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Catholic holidays.

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