Saint of the Day – 21 December – Saint James of Valencia O.deM. (Died 1362) Martyr, Missionary, Frair of the Mercedarians (the Order of Our Lady of Mercy and the Redemption of the Captives), Apostle of the poor. Born in Valencia, Spain and died in 1362 by being stoned to death in Algiers, Tunisia, North Africa whilst on a mission to ransom prisoners.
At the age of 27, James entered the Mercedarian Convent of El Puig. Spain where he took the Vows and Habit of the Order.
James was A great friend of the poor, he led a life completely crucified in the practice of rigid austerities which all his fellow religious admired.
In the year 1362, while he was in Algiers in Africa to redeem slaves and captives, he was captured by the Jews while preaching Christ in the synagogue. In hatred of the Faith, he was killed with sticks and stones and gloriously reached the choir of Martyrs.
The Order celebrates his Feast Day today on 21 December.
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