St. James the Apostle, also known as James the Greater or Santiago, was one of Jesus’ first disciples and a member of His inner circle. A fisherman who left everything to follow Christ, he became a key figure in early Christianity through his fearless witness and martyrdom. Today he is honored around the world as the patron saint of pilgrims.
Who Was St. James the Apostle?
James was the son of Zebedee and the brother of St. John the Apostle. The two brothers were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus called them, and they left their nets and their father’s boat to follow Him. Jesus nicknamed them “Boanerges,” the Sons of Thunder, for their zeal. Together with Peter, James witnessed some of the most important moments of Jesus’ ministry, including the Transfiguration and the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
James was the first of the apostles to die for his faith. As the Acts of the Apostles records (Acts 12:2), he was put to death by King Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem around the year 44.
The Camino de Santiago
According to tradition, James preached the Gospel in Spain, and after his death his remains were carried there and later discovered in the ninth century in Galicia, in the northwest of the country. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela was built over his tomb, and it became one of the great pilgrimage destinations of the Christian world.
For more than a thousand years, pilgrims have walked the Camino de Santiago, the Way of St. James, from across Europe to reach his tomb. The scallop shell became the pilgrim’s symbol, and it still marks the routes today. When his feast day, July 25, falls on a Sunday, the Church celebrates a Holy Year in Compostela; the next one will be in 2027.
Feast Day and Patronage
The feast of St. James is celebrated on July 25. He is the patron saint of Spain, of pilgrims and travelers, and of many cities across Latin America that carry his name, from Santiago de Chile to Santiago de los Caballeros. For many people, he symbolizes the journey of life itself, marked by purpose, courage and faith.
The Meaning of the St. James Medal
Our 18K gold St. James the Apostle medal is a meaningful tribute to his message: a reminder of spiritual guidance, protection and perseverance. It is an ideal gift for anyone walking the Camino, starting a new chapter, traveling far from home or named James, Jaime, Diego or Santiago. Each medal comes beautifully packaged in our signature Amalia gift box and bag.
Explore our full collection of 18K gold saint and religious medals, and read about Saint John the Baptist.
