Saint of the day for November 28: Story of San Giacomo delle Marche

Saint of the day for November 28
(1394-28 November 1476)

History of San Giacomo delle Marche

Meet one of the fathers of the modern pawnshop!

James was born in the Marche di Ancona, in central Italy along the Adriatic Sea. After earning his doctorates in canon and civil law at the University of Perugia, he joined the Friars Minor and began a very austere life. He fasted nine months of the year; he slept three hours a night. San Bernardino of Siena told him to moderate his penances.

Giacomo studied theology with Saint John of Capistrano. Ordained in 1420, Giacomo began a career as a preacher which took him all over Italy and in 13 countries of central and eastern Europe. This hugely popular preacher converted many people - 250.000 by one estimate - and helped spread devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. His sermons have prompted numerous Catholics to reform their lives, and many men have joined the Franciscans under his influence.

With Giovanni da Capistrano, Alberto da Sarteano and Bernardino da Siena, Giacomo is considered one of the "four pillars" of the movement of the Observants among the Franciscans. These friars became famous above all for their preaching.

To combat extremely high interest rates, James created montes pietatis - literally mountains of charity - non-profit credit organizations that lent money on pledged items at very low rates.

Not everyone was happy with James' work. Twice the killers lost their nerve when they came face to face with him. James died in 1476 and was canonized in 1726.

Reflection

James wanted the word of God to take root in the hearts of his listeners. His preaching was aimed at preparing the ground, as it were, removing rocks and softening sin-hardened lives. God's intention is for his word to take root in our lives, but for that we need both devoted preachers and cooperative listeners.