POWERFUL NOVENA TO SAINT JAMES THE GREATER, APOSTLE – DAY 4 (For Hope and Perseverance)

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 4

O Glorious St. James, Apostle of Christ, we seek your intercession today as we pray for hope and perseverance. You were among the first to follow Jesus, leaving everything behind with hopeful hearts. Despite facing hardships and persecution, you remained steadfast in your mission to spread the Gospel. Inspire us with your example to hold onto hope and to persevere in our faith, trusting in God’s promises and relying on His strength. May we find encouragement in the hope that Christ offers and remain faithful to Him through all trials. Amen. (Add your personal intention).

Scriptural Reading, Life, Examples & Legacies (Part 4)

John 1:35-37 – “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.”

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Meditative Prayer: St. James, you were among the first to heed the call of Jesus, leaving behind your former life with great hope and expectation. Throughout your ministry, you faced numerous challenges and persecutions, yet you persevered with lively faith and hope in the promises of Christ. In our own lives, we encounter difficulties that test our resolve and faith. Reflecting on your journey, we ask for your intercession to help us hold onto the hope that Christ offers and to persevere in our faith, no matter the obstacles. May we always remember that our ultimate hope is in Christ, who has overcome the world and promises eternal life to those who remain faithful.

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 grace to persevere in our faith and to always hope in Your promises. Help us to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of trials and difficulties. May we find encouragement in the hope that Christ offers and remain faithful to Him through all trials. 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?