Born in Bethsaida, James, the son of Zebedee, was called by the Lord together with his brother John. He was present at most of the miracles performed by Christ. He was one of the three apostles, along with Peter and John, who witnessed the Transfiguration (Mt 17:1) and the agony in the garden (Mt 16:37). He was condemned to death by Herod Agrippa and beheaded in the year 44, the first of the Twelve to be martyred. His reputed shrine at Santiago de Compostela Spain remains a popular pilgrimage centre. – CTS New Daily Roman Missal 2012, p 2852; Christian Prayer 1990, p 1176
