POWERFUL NOVENA TO SAINT JAMES THE GREATER, APOSTLE – DAY 3 (For Faith and Trust in God)

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 3

O Glorious St. James, Apostle of Christ, we seek your intercession today as we pray for a deeper faith and trust in God. You were privileged to witness the Transfiguration of Jesus, a moment that revealed His divine glory and strengthened your faith. Help us to grow in our faith and to trust in God’s plan for our lives, even when we do not fully understand it. May we follow your example of lively faith and trust in Jesus, confident that He is always with us, guiding and sustaining us. Amen. (Add your personal intention).

Scriptural Reading, Life, Examples & Legacies (Part 3)

Matthew 17:1-2 – “After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There, he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.”

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Meditative Prayer: St. James, you were one of the three Apostles chosen to witness the Transfiguration of Jesus. This extraordinary event revealed His divine nature and reinforced your faith in Him as the Messiah. In our own spiritual journeys, we encounter moments of doubt and uncertainty. Reflecting on your experience, we ask for your intercession to strengthen our faith and trust in God. Help us to recognize and cherish the moments when God reveals His glory and presence in our lives, and to hold onto these experiences as sources of strength and encouragement. May we always trust in God’s providence, knowing that He works all things for our good.

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, strengthen our faith and trust in You. May we always rely on Your wisdom and guidance. Help us to trust in Your plan for our lives, even when we do not understand it fully. May we grow in our faith, confident that You are always with us, guiding and sustaining us. 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?