Saint James of the Marche (1391-1476)
for November 28
Saint James was born in the Marche of Ancona in Italy. He attended the University of Perugia, where he attained doctorates in canon law and civil law. After he earned his degrees, he felt called to join the Franciscans and live a very disciplined life. This austerity included fasting for nine months of the year and sleeping only three hours per night. He continued his education by studying theology with Saint John of Capristrano. James was ordained and began his ministry as a successful preacher. He converted many to the Catholic faith and facilitated the spread of the devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. James founded "montes pietatis," or nonprofit credit establishments, that loaned money to the poor at very low interest rates. Some people were unhappy with James's ministry. There were two assassination plots against him, but both assassins lost their will to kill when they came face to face with him. Saint James of the Marche was canonized in 1726.
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How can you use your gifts and talents to help others and spread the Good News? Saint James used his education, faithful example, and leadership skills to spread God's message. Spend a few minutes reflecting on your gifts and talents. Ask the Lord to help you share them with others to build his Kingdom.
Holy Spirit, you bless us with gifts and talents to be used for God’s Kingdom. Help me to focus on my own gifts and how I can use them to make God’s Kingdom grow and multiply. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Mtakatifu Yakobo wa Marche (1391-1476) alizaliwa mnamo Novemba 28, 1395 huko Marche ya Ancona, Italia. Alihudhuria Chuo Kikuu cha Perugia, ambako alipata udaktari katika sheria ya kanoni na sheria ya kiraia. Baada ya kupata digrii zake, alihisi ameteuliwa kujiunga na Wafarisayo na kuishi maisha ya nidhamu sana. Ukatili huo ulitia ndani kufunga miezi tisa ya mwaka na kulala saa tatu tu kwa usiku. Aliendelea na elimu yake kwa kujifunza theolojia pamoja na Mtakatifu Yohana wa Capristrano. James aliteuliwa na kuanza huduma yake akiwa mhubiri mwenye mafanikio. Aligeuza wengi kuwa Wakatoliki na kuwezesha kuenea kwa ujitoaji kwa Jina Takatifu la Yesu. James alianzisha "montes pietatis", au mashirika ya mkopo yasiyo ya faida, ambayo yaliwakopesha maskini pesa kwa riba ya chini sana. Watu fulani hawakufurahia huduma ya James. Kulikuwa na njama mbili za kumuua, lakini wauaji wote wawili walipoteza hamu yao ya kuua walipokuja uso kwa uso naye. Mtakatifu James wa Marche alitangazwa kuwa mtakatifu mwaka wa 1726. "Mtakatifu Yakobo wa Marche (1391-1476) aliandika: ""Ninaamini kwamba ni muhimu sana kwamba watu wa Mungu watumie vipawa vyao kuwasaidia wengine na kueneza Habari Njema." Mtakatifu Yakobo alitumia elimu yake, kielelezo chake cha uaminifu, na ustadi wake wa uongozi kueneza ujumbe wa Mungu. Tumia dakika chache kutafakari juu ya vipawa vyako na vipawa. Mwombe Bwana akusaidie kugawana na wengine ili kujenga Ufalme wake. Roho Mtakatifu, unabariki zawadi na vipaji vya kutumiwa kwa ajili ya Ufalme wa Mungu. Nisaidie kukazia fikira zawadi zangu na jinsi ninavyoweza kuzitumia ili kufanya Ufalme wa Mungu ukue na kuongezeka. (Kutokana na <unk>Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.<unk>)