The Way of St. James
SATB and organ. Text compiled by the composer from Sir Walter Raleigh (On Pilgrimages), Horatio Nelson (By All thy Saints), and the medieval Codex Calixtinus. Middle section in Latin. Appropriate for the Feast of St. James (25 July).
James, beloved of God,
James, first of the twelve to share the cup of suff'ring and death of our Lord Jesus Christ.
James, martyred by Herod, taken to heaven,
and thus the pilgrim church was blessed and made to flourish.
Primus ex apostolis Martir Jerosolimis,
Jacobus egregio Sacer est martirio.
[First of all apostles who died in Jerusalem for his faith;
St. James full of honor who there attained sainthood.]
Lord, curb our vain impatience, and grant us grace to bear our own suff'ring,
so to glorify your name as we follow the way of James.
May we now wear the scallop shell of quiet on our pilgrim path,
holding the staff of steady faith all our days.
Holy James, pray for us.