NovenasSt. James the Greater Novena
Novena to the Apostle of Spain
A nine-day novena to St. James the Greater, one of the first apostles called by Jesus and the first apostle to be martyred. He is patron of Spain, pilgrims, and laborers. His shrine at Compostela is a major pilgrimage site.
Complete prayer texts. No account needed.
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For pilgrims
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Almighty and everlasting God, who consecrated the first fruits of Your Apostles in the blood of Saint James, grant, we pray, that Your Church may be strengthened by his patronage and always rejoice in his protection.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Meditation
St. James is patron of pilgrims, especially those who walk the Camino de Santiago to his shrine in Compostela. For over a thousand years, pilgrims have made this journey as an act of faith and devotion.
Life itself is a pilgrimage to heaven. James accompanies all who journey in faith.
Prayer
St. James, patron of pilgrims, bless all who undertake pilgrimages. Protect them on their journey and help them grow closer to God through their travels.
(Mention your intentions here)
Prayer to St. James the Greater
O glorious St. James, you were among the first to follow Christ and the first apostle to give your life for Him. Obtain for me the grace to follow Christ faithfully and to witness to Him even unto death.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
St. James the Greater, pray for us. Amen.
About this novena
A nine-day novena to St. James the Greater, one of the first apostles called by Jesus and the first apostle to be martyred. He is patron of Spain, pilgrims, and laborers. His shrine at Compostela is a major pilgrimage site.
July 16-24 (Feast: July 25), or any time
Traditional start: July 25
You can begin a novena at any time. Traditional dates are a guide, not a requirement.
