James was called by Jesus with his brother John immediately after Peter and Andrew. With Peter and John they formed an important trio in the early church. They were present at the cure of Peters mother in law, at the raising of Jairus’ daughter and most significantly as witnesses to the transfiguration.

James is the Patron Saint of Spain. He acquired the attributes of a pilgrim and the Road to Santiago in Spain attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year.

“As he went on a little further, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.” (Mark 1:19-20)