St James the Deacon

Commemorated on October 18
 
Saint James lived in the seventh century, and assisted St Paulinus of York (October 10) in evangelizing the north of England.

Following the death of St Edwin (October 12) in 633, the northern kingdom experienced many trials, including military defeats, famine, and plague. The year 633-634 was so fraught with misfortune that it became known as “The Hateful Year.” St Paulinus accompanied St Ethelburga (April 5) back to her native Kent after the death of her husband King Edwin, leaving St James behind to care for the new converts in northern England.

St James has been described as “faithful and undismayed,” even though the secular power which supported the Church had been overthrown. Even so, he would not abandon the people in his care, nor would he cease his missionary labors.

This faithful servant of the Lord established himself near the village of Catterick in Yorkshire, teaching, comforting, and encouraging his flock. Even in such difficult times, St James was able to win many converts to Christ. He had a talent for music, and was skilled in the Roman chants composed by St Gregory Dialogus (March 12) which were being used in Kent. James taught these chants to the Christians of the north. When peace returned and the churches reopened, their services were beautified with the chants which St James had given them.

We do not know exactly when St James died, but it is believed that he survived for at least thirty years after “The Hateful Year,” and participated in the Synod of Whitby in 664.

St James does not appear to have been ordained to the holy priesthood, but through his tireless labors he built up the Church in the north. St Bede (May 27) calls him “a man of great energy and repute in Christ’s Church” HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH CHURCH AND PEOPLE, Book II, chapter 16).

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SAINT OR FEAST POSTED THIS DATE 2012(with 2011's link here also and further, 2010, 2009, 2008 and even 2007!)