November 28: Saint James of the Marches, Franciscan

A Promoter of Peace

Saint James of the Marches, born Domenico Gangale on September 1, 1393, in Monteprandone in the Ascoli region of Italy, spent his youth devoted to study. He first attended school in Ascoli Piceno, then the University of Perugia, where he earned degrees in both civil and canon law.

He began a legal career, working as a notary in Florence and later as a judge in Bibbiena. However, life in the courts—far from the spiritual longing he felt within—led him to renounce secular justice and enter religious life in the Franciscan convent of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi.

On June 13, 1420, he was ordained a priest. From that moment, his reputation spread quickly: his preaching, direct and incisive, drew crowds wherever he spoke. His teaching, focused on the foundations of the Christian faith, also targeted heretical groups, especially the fraticelli, who even threatened his life. Pope Eugene IV entrusted him with specific assignments against heresies across the Adriatic and delicate diplomatic missions in Central and Eastern Europe. He played a crucial role in reconciliation efforts: thanks to his mediation, the rival cities of Fermo and Ascoli reached important peace agreements in 1446 and again in 1463; during the same period, he also helped resolve a territorial dispute between Monteprandone and Acquaviva.

His work extended beyond preaching: he promoted the drafting of new statutes for eleven cities and founded numerous Monti di Pietà, institutions created to counter usury. He authored eighteen volumes and established a large library for friars and scholars in the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Monteprandone. He died in Naples on November 28, 1476, and was buried in the church of Santa Maria la Nova. In 2001, his relics were transferred to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Monteprandone.