The Apostle James

St James wearing his symbol, the sea scallop,

by Carlo Crivelli

The Apostle James is named Santiago in Spain. He travelled all around the world to preach and convert people to Christianity. He went from the Middle-East to the most north-western part of Spain, called by the Romans "Finis Terrae", end of the world.

After his return to Palestine in 44 a.C., he was imprisoned by Herodes Agrippa and tortured to death. It was forbbiden to bury his corpse, but at night James' disciples stole the body and brought him, in a marble sarcophagus, on board of a small boat. The current of the sea drove it to the Spanish coast, into the port of the Roman province's capital, Iria Flavia (current Santiago de Compostela). There the Apostle was buried at a secret place in a wood.

Hundreds of years later, in 813, a hermit heard music and saw some place in that wood shining. For this fact, the place was called, in Latin, "Campus Stellae", field of stars, which gave name to Compostela.

The bishop Teodomiro was told about that story and he started an investigation. In that way, the tomb of the Apostle was discovered. The king of Asturias, Alphonse II, declared Saint James the patron of his kingdom and now Santiago is the patron of Spain. A chapel was built at that place, where currently the famous cathedral of Santiago of Compostela stands.

It was the begginig of the pilgrimage to the grave of the saint,

known as the

"Way of Saint James".

Ways of pilgrimage crossing Europe to Santiago de Compostela

 

Scholars have never done scientific research to identify the body found, but it is legend accepted all over Spain.

We tell you another astonishing legend about Santiago. There was a battle between Christians and Moors in 844 near Clavijo, in northeastern Spain. It is said that St James appeared on the side of the Christians to Ramiro I of Asturias and helped them to triumph over the Muslims under Abd ar-Rahman II of Córdoba. Then Santiago was called Matamoros or Moorslayer.

Santiago appeared riding his white horse over a cloud and encouraged Ramiro I, who led his troops under the battle cry:

"Santiago y cierra España", "St James and strike for Spain".

Santiago riding his white horse againt the Moors

 

Spain at this period sorely needed a new champion or focus to inspire Christians against the invading Moors. So the rediscovery of Santiago’s grave came at the most propitious moment.

The legend was written down in the 12th century, by which time the Medieval Crusades led by different Popes against Muslims in the Holy Land were well underway.

Santiago became the Patron Saint and military leader of Spain, as later Miguel Cervantes wrote in Don Quixote:

“St James the Moorslayer, one of the most valiant saints and knights the world ever had ... has been given by God to Spain for its patron and protection”.

The military religious Order of Santiago was created in the 12th century in Spain. Nowadays, in Spain many religions and cultures live in harmony, and we don't need another militar leader.

We live in León, and we are really proud of being a beautiful town in the Way of Saint James.

León in the Way of Saint James

Thousands of pilgrims walk the way every year. If you want to know more about the Way, you can watch the following video.

 Also, you can listen to the opinion of some pilgrims.
 

Now, if you are eager to start walking as a pilgrim, take a look at the blog of some of our fellow students at the University talking about the Way of Saint James: The Way to Santiago

Don't hesitate! It's a life experience you'll never forget!!