POWERFUL NOVENA TO SAINT JAMES THE GREATER, APOSTLE – DAY 2 (For Strength and Courage)

Brief biographical Notes: St. James the Greater was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and is often distinguished by his close relationship with Jesus. He was the son of Zebedee and Salome and the brother of John the Apostle. James and John, known as the “Sons of Thunder,” were among the first disciples called by Jesus. They left their fishing nets and family to follow Him, demonstrating their profound commitment and faith. James was part of Jesus’ inner circle, along with Peter and John, witnessing significant events such as the Transfiguration and the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. This close association highlights his prominent role among the Apostles. James is not to be confused with James the Less, who is also one of the Twelve Apostles but is believed to be the son of Alphaeus. James the Less is sometimes identified with James, the brother of Jesus, who played a leading role in the Jerusalem Church and is often associated with the Epistle of James in the New Testament. James the Greater’s zeal and fervor for Christ led to his martyrdom. According to Acts 12:1-2, he was beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I, making him the first Apostle to be martyred. His remains are traditionally believed to be enshrined in Santiago de Compostela in Spain, a major pilgrimage site that has inspired the famous Camino de Santiago. St. James the Greater is the patron saint of Spain, pilgrims, and labourers. Pilgrims have revered his shrine at Santiago de Compostela for centuries, embarking on the Camino de Santiago as a spiritual journey in his honour. His feast day is celebrated on July 25, and he is often depicted with symbols of pilgrimage such as a scallop shell, a pilgrim’s hat, and a staff.

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Opening Prayer for Day 2

O Glorious St. James, Apostle of Christ, we seek your intercession today as we pray for strength and courage. You were called the “Son of Thunder” by Jesus to testify to your bold and zealous spirit. Even in the face of persecution, you remained steadfast and courageous, ultimately laying down your life for the Gospel. We ask for your prayers that we, too, may be endowed with the strength and courage to face the challenges of our lives. May we stand firm in our faith, never wavering, and always ready to proclaim the truth of the Gospel. Inspire us by your example to be fearless witnesses to Christ in a world that often rejects Him. Amen. (Add your personal intention).

Scriptural Reading, Life, Examples & Legacies (Part 2)

Acts 12:1-2 – “It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.”

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Meditative Prayer: St. James, your martyrdom testifies powerfully to your lifely faith and courage. You faced death with a fearless heart, fully committed to the mission Christ had entrusted to you. In our own lives, we face various forms of persecution and challenges that test our faith. Reflecting on your bold witness, we ask for the grace to remain strong and courageous in the face of adversity. Help us to draw strength from the Lord, who promises to be with us always, and to find courage in the knowledge that He is our refuge and strength. Through your intercession, may we be emboldened to live out our faith with conviction and to stand firm in the truth, no matter the cost.

Litany to St. James the Greater:

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

St. James, close companion of Jesus, pray for us.
St. James, who witnessed the Transfiguration, pray for us.
St. James, who desired to drink the cup of Jesus, pray for us.
St. James, patron of pilgrims, pray for us.
St. James, preacher of the Gospel, pray for us.
St. James, faithful to the end, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Pray for us, O glorious St. James, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Concluding Prayer

Heavenly Father, through the intercession of St. James, grant us the strength and courage to overcome our difficulties. May we always trust in Your presence and power in our lives. Help us to be steadfast in our faith, even when faced with trials and persecutions. May we never waver in our commitment to You and Your Gospel. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Shalom!
Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Seminário Padre Pedro Magnone, São Paulo, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com
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PS: Have you prayed your Rosary today?