St. Christopher, a native of Chanaan, was martyred at Lycia in the Third Century. He was greatly venerated in the East. His name, which signifies “one who carries Christ”, won for him great veneration even in the city of Rome. Many statues of St. Christopher were placed at the entrance to cathedrals. He is the patron of travelers and is invoked in storm, tempest and plagues. The medal of St. Christopher is frequently attached to motor vehicles.

(Source: The New Roman Missal, Rev. F. X. Lasance)

St. James was the brother of John, and the first of the Apostolic College to suffer martyrdom. He was beheaded by Herod Agrippa about the year 43. He was one of the intimate friends of Our Savior: he witnessed the Transfiguration and the agony in the Garden of Olives. Christ foretold his martyrdom on the occasion when the mother of James and John asked for her two sons that they be seated one at his right hand and the other at his left in His Kingdom. James preached the Gospel in Judea and Samaria, and even in distant Spain.

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