James, along with his brother John, were fishermen by trade, working with their father Zebedee on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. One day, as they were mending their nets, Jesus called out to them, saying, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." They immediately left their nets and their father to follow Jesus, becoming two of his closest disciples.

 

James, along with Peter and John, formed the inner circle of Jesus' disciples. They were present at some of the most significant events in Jesus' ministry, including the Transfiguration, where they witnessed Jesus' divine glory on a mountaintop.

 

James and his brother John were known for their fiery and passionate personalities, earning them the nickname "Sons of Thunder" from Jesus. This nickname may reflect their zeal and eagerness to defend and promote Jesus' teachings.

 

James the Greater is traditionally believed to be the first apostle to be martyred for his faith. Around AD 44, during the reign of King Herod Agrippa I, James was executed by the sword, likely in Jerusalem. His martyrdom serves as a powerful testament to his unwavering commitment to Christ, even in the face of persecution.

 

After James's death, his disciples purportedly carried his body to the coast of Spain, where they buried him. Over time, the burial site became associated with miraculous events, leading to the rise of Santiago de Compostela as a major pilgrimage destination. The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to his shrine.

 

James the Greater is venerated as a saint in various Christian traditions, with his feast day celebrated on July 25th. He is considered the patron saint of Spain and is honored by pilgrims from around the world who journey to Santiago de Compostela to pay homage to his legacy and seek spiritual fulfillment.

 

The story of James the Great highlights themes of faith, dedication, and sacrifice, making him an enduring figure in Christian history and devotion.