POWERFUL NOVENA TO SAINT JAMES THE GREATER, APOSTLE – DAY 8 (For Healing and Restoration)

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 8

O Glorious St. James, Apostle of Christ, we seek your intercession today as we pray for healing and restoration. You encouraged the early Christians to seek healing through prayer and faith, trusting in the power of God to heal and restore. Help us to trust in God’s healing power and to find comfort in His loving care. May we experience the healing touch of Jesus in our lives, and may we be instruments of His healing and restoration to others. Amen. (Add your personal intention).

Scriptural Reading, Life, Examples & Legacies (Part 8)

Mark 6:12-13 – “They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons, anointed many sick people with oil, and healed them.”

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Meditative Prayer: St. James, you were among the Apostles who were sent out by Jesus to preach the Gospel and to heal the sick. You witnessed firsthand the healing power of Christ, and you encouraged others to seek healing through prayer and faith. Reflecting on your example, we ask for your intercession to help us trust in God’s healing power and to find comfort in His loving care. May we experience the healing touch of Jesus in our lives, and may we be instruments of His healing and restoration to others. Help us to bring the light of Christ to those who are suffering, offering them hope and comfort through our prayers and actions. May we always trust in God’s ability to heal and restore, confident that He is with us in our times of need.

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 healing and restoration we seek. May we always trust in Your loving care and in Your power to heal and restore. Help us to be instruments of Your healing and restoration to others, bringing them hope and comfort through our prayers and actions. 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?