Saint James of the Marches
Preaching the Word of God!

Introduction

Saint James was born in 1391 in the Italian region known as the Marches. Although part of a poor family, his uncle, a priest, arranged for him to study both civil and canon law at the University of Perugia. In 1416, James was received into the Order of Friars Minor at the Portiuncola Chapel in Assisi. Known as a popular preacher, he traveled throughout Europe and helped to spread devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus.

Along with Albert of Sarteano, Bernardine of Siena, and John of Capistrano, James of the Marches is remembered as one of the “four pillars” of the Observant Franciscans. He died in 1476 and was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726. His feast day is November 28th. As we celebrate Saint James of the Marches and close out the liturgical year, let us reflect on a sermon from  about effective preaching by both word and example. Saint James of the Marches, pray for us!

A Sermon by Saint James of the Marches

Some seed fell on good soil, grew up, and yielded a hundredfold (Matthew 13:8). This refers to the hearts of the faithful made fertile by the abundant grace of the Holy Spirit, where the Word of God sows contrition for sins, the violet of humility, the rose of charity, the lily of chastity, fear and love of God, a desire for the things of heaven, a detachment from the goods of earth, and the beauty of all virtues.

Beloved and Most Holy Word of God! You enlighten the hearts of the faithful. You satisfy the hungry and you console the afflicted. You make the souls of all people producers of goodness and you cause all virtues to blossom. You snatch souls from the devil’s jaws; you make the wretched holy, and you make the people of earth citizens of heaven.

When is the Holy Spirit conceived?
Preaching the Word of God!
When do you deplore sins?
When have you forgiven an injury?
Preaching the Word of God!
When have you put aside ill will?
When do you acquire patience?
When have you found a soul that was lost?
Preaching the Word of God!
When have you come to know God?
What keeps the people faithful?
Preaching the Word of God!
What did Christ command his apostles to do?
What inspires grace and virtue in souls?
Preaching the Word of God!
Because it is not you who speaks!

Holy preaching is more precious than any treasure. Blessed are they who listen to those who truly preach the Word of God because you are a great light that illuminates the whole world. Glory to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen! Amen!

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About Us

Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with members, friends, and followers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Africa. We are dedicated to helping Christian believers of all ages to more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. For more information about the Assisi Project and upcoming opportunities for faith formation, prayer, and pilgrimage in the Franciscan spiritual tradition, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@assisiproject.com. May the Lord give you peace!

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