Saint James of the Marches

St. James of the Marches was born to a humble family named Gangala in Monteprandone, March of Ancona, Italy, in 1391. He left an indelible mark on the Franciscan Order and the Christian world. He lived a life of poverty, humility, and unwavering dedication to God, committed to the principles of the Franciscan way.

Initiating his education at Offida under the guidance of his uncle, a priest, St. James continued his studies at Ascoli and later obtained a Doctorate in Civil Law from the University of Perugia. His path, however, took a spiritual turn when he became a member of the Friars Minor in the chapel of the Portiuncula, Assisi, on July 26, 1416.

Following his novitiate at the hermitage of the Carceri near Assisi, St. James pursued theological studies at Fiesole under the mentorship of St. Bernardine of Siena. Ordained a priest on June 13, 1420, he embarked on a mission of preaching, spanning Tuscany, the Marches, and Umbria. Over the next fifty years, St. James gained renown for the miracles he performed and the countless conversions he facilitated.

St. James's impact extended beyond the borders of Italy as he embarked on extensive journeys, preaching penance and combating heresy in various European countries, including Germany, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Bohemia, Poland, Hungary, and Bosnia. He was pivotal in seeking unity during the Council of Basle and the Council of Ferrara-Florence, promoting reconciliation with moderate Hussites and Greeks.

Throughout his life, St. James demonstrated resilience in the face of internal challenges within the Franciscan Order. As a member of the Observant branch, he faced envy and opposition, as evidenced in a letter to St. John Capistran. His involvement in arbitrating disputes between Conventuals and Observants in 1455 reflected his commitment to maintaining unity within the Order.

In the later years of his life, St. James faced theological controversy when, in 1462, he expressed an opinion regarding the Precious Blood shed during the Passion. This led to his citation by the Dominican James of Brescia and subsequent appeals to the Holy See. The matter remained unresolved, emphasizing the theological intricacies surrounding the Precious Blood.

St. James spent the final three years of his life in Naples, where he was buried in the Franciscan church of S. Maria la Nuova. Following his beatification by Urban VIII in 1624 and his subsequent canonization by Benedict XIII in 1726, his life continues to impact, and his holiness serves as an enduring source of inspiration, guiding countless believers on their spiritual journeys. Today, Naples venerates St. James of the Marches as one of its patron saints, honoring him on his feast day, November 28.

Prayer

St. James, pray for us that, in moments of challenge and controversy, we may follow your example in serving God and spreading the Gospel with unwavering dedication and humility.

Prepared and updated by:

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,

Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.