IN TODAY’S LIVES OF THE SAINTS AND MARTYRS, THE FIRST APOSTLE TO BE MARTYRED

Winchester, VA – James was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and the brother of Saint John the Beloved. The brothers were out repairing their nets one day with their father when Jesus called them to be his disciples. They followed without delay and earned the name “Sons of Thunder.” James was one of the three witnesses of the Transfiguration. After Jesus’ ascension, James evangalized peoples across Israel, the Roman Empire, and spent forty years converting the people of Spain.  The first apostle to die, James was martyred by decapitation in the year 44 by order of King Herod when he returned to Jerusalem. His remains were taken to Compostela, Spain. Saint James, pray for us!