Saint James of the Marches was a Franciscan priest remembered for his deep faith, powerful preaching, and missionary work in the 15th century. He was born in 1391 in Monteprandone, Italy, into a poor family. His uncle, who was a priest, guided his early education. James continued his studies and earned a Doctorate in Canon and Civil Law from the University of Perugia. For a time, he worked as a tutor for a noble family.
His life took a new direction on July 26, 1416, when he entered the Order of Friars Minor at the Chapel of the Portiuncula in Assisi. After his novitiate, he studied theology under Saint Bernardine of Siena, a well-known Franciscan teacher and preacher. James was ordained a priest on June 13, 1420, and soon began preaching in Tuscany, Umbria, and the Marches.
For nearly 50 years, Saint James travelled across Europe as a missionary. His journeys took him to Germany, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Bohemia, Poland, Hungary, and Bosnia. His preaching focused on repentance, deepening faith, and correcting false teachings. He also served as an inquisitor against a group called the Fratelli, who disagreed with the Franciscans on the vow of poverty and other matters. In 1460, he was offered the position of Archbishop of Milan, but he humbly declined.
Large crowds came to hear him preach—so many that churches could not hold them, and he often preached outdoors. His words changed countless lives. In Milan, one sermon on Saint Mary Magdalene led 36 women living immoral lives to conversion. It is believed that he helped 50,000 heretics return to the Church and led 200,000 nonbelievers to baptism. His example also encouraged more than 200 young German men to join the Franciscan Order.
Saint James was known for his wisdom, and even popes and rulers sought his counsel. God blessed him with the gifts of miracles and prophecy, yet he always remained humble.
In 1462, while preaching in Brescia, he repeated a theological opinion regarding the Precious Blood of Christ during the time of His burial. This statement caused controversy and brought an accusation of heresy against him, but the issue was never formally examined and was eventually forgotten.
Saint James spent the final years of his life in Naples. After his death, he was buried in the Franciscan church of Santa Maria la Nuova, where his body remains visible today.
He was beatified by Pope Urban VIII in 1624 and canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726. The city of Naples honors him as one of its patron saints.