St. James of the Marches was born to a humble family named Gangala in 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. After his novitiate at the Carceri hermitage near Assisi, St. James studied theology in Fiesole under St. Bernardine of Siena. Ordained on June 13, 1420, he spent fifty years preaching in Tuscany, the Marches, and Umbria, performing miracles and facilitating conversions. His influence spread across Europe as he preached penance and fought heresy, playing a key role in promoting unity during the Council of Basle and the Council of Ferrara-Florence, seeking 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. St. James spent his last three years in Naples, buried in the Franciscan church of S. Maria la Nuova. Beatified in 1624 and canonized in 1726, he continues to inspire many believers.
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.
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