ST. JAMES THE GREATER APOSTLE

PATRON SAINT OF: Against arthritis, against rheumatism, Antigua, Guatemala, apothecaries, arthritis sufferers, blacksmiths, Chile, Compostela, Spain, druggists, equestrians, furriers, Galicia, Spain, Guatemala, horsemen, knights, laborers, Nicaragua, pharmacists, pilgrims, Pistoia, Italy, rheumatoid sufferers, riders, soldiers, Spain, Spanish conquistadors, tanners, veterinarians

GUIDANCE: Son of Zebedee and Salome, brother of Saint John the Apostle, and may have been Jesus' cousin. He is called "the Greater" simply because he became an Apostle before Saint James the Lesser. Apparent disciple of Saint John the Baptist. Fisherman. Left everything when Christ called him to be a fisher of men. Was present during most of the recorded miracles of Christ. Preached in Samaria, Judea, and Spain. First Apostle to be martyred.

The pilgrimage to his relics in Compostela became such a popular devotion that the symbols of pilgrims have become his emblems, and he became patron of pilgrims. His work in Spain, and the housing of his relics there, led to his patronage of the country and all things Spanish; for centuries, the Spanish army rode to battle with the cry "Santiago!" ("Saint James!")

Like all men of renown, many stories grew up around James. In one, he brought back to life a boy who had been unjustly hanged, and had been dead for five weeks. The boy's father was notified of the miracle while he sat at supper. The father pronounced the story nonsense, and said his son was no more alive than the roasted fowl on the table; the cooked bird promptly sat up, sprouted feathers, and flew away.

FEAST DAY: July 25

SAMPLE AFFIRMATIONS: My Faith is strong and defiant. I believ in miracles.

SAMPLE PRAYER: Father, my arthritis has been giving me a rough time. I believe in miracles and I know that You can heal me with your miraculous powers of Grace and Good Health. My joints have been inflexible, sore and swollen. Help me to be more flexible in my daily Life and heal my ailing joints as I continue to seek a closer relationship with you.

Through Jesus Christ's Precious Blood and Most Holy Face. - Amen

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