PY242BSP St James the Greater #242

<p>Each beautifully designed medal is stamped in heavy gauge bronze and finished in a heavy silver plating that is thick enough to be engraved. The medals are rubbed with a soft patina to give them the distinct 'Py look.'</p> <p>The inscription translates to:&nbsp;<em>James Holy Pilgrim</em>.</p> <p>Born 1st Century Bethsaida, Galilee Died 44 AD, Judea (Decapitated by Herod Agrippa I) First Martyr</p> <p>Venerated in all of Christianity.</p> <p>Feast Day July 25 (Western Christianity); April 30 (Eastern Christianity Julian Calendar)(May 13 Gregorian Calendar)</p> <p>Depicted with a scallop (James emblem was the scallop shell (or "cockle shell"), and pilgrims to his shrine often wore that symbol on their hats or clothes) and a travelers hat.Patron Saint of: Spain, Pharmacists, Veterinarians, Equestrians, Furriers, and Tanners</p> <p>Saint James, son of Zebedee, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He was a son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of John the Apostle. He is called Saint James the Greater to distinguish him from James, son of Alphaeus, who is also known as James the Less.</p> <p>St John was the brother of St. James and was the one that influenced him to join with Jesus in His messianic mission. They had a nickname of Sons of Thunder because of the zeal with which they proclaimed the teachings of Jesus.</p> <p>James won the crown of martyrdom, A.D. 44. Herod Agrippa I, son of Aristobulus and grandson of Herod the Great, reigned at that time as "king". His great object was to please the Jews, and he showed great regard for the Mosaic Law and Jewish customs. In pursuance of this policy, on the occasion of the Passover of A.D. 44, he perpetrated cruelties upon the Church, whose rapid growth incensed the Jews The zealous temper of James and his leading part in the Jewish Christian communities probably led Agrippa to choose him as the first victim. "He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword." (Acts 12:1-2).</p> <p>Picture Shown is not actual size. Approximate size of medal is smaller, about 7/8" in diameter (the size of a nickel).</p>