James joined the Franciscan Order and became a prominent figure within the order. He was appointed as the Guardian of the Franciscan friary in Lviv, Poland, where he tirelessly defended the mendicant friars against attacks by secular clergy. James had a strong connection with the Orthodox community in the area and worked tirelessly to reduce tensions between them and Catholic Christians.
In addition to his role as the Guardian, James became the Vicar-general of Franciscan missions in Western Russia. He dedicated himself to revitalizing the faithful and promoting devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. During his time in Russia, he also contributed to the organization of the Travellers for Christ around the year 1360. This group consisted of Franciscan and Dominican friars who lived and traveled together to conduct parish missions, spreading the word of God and providing spiritual guidance to the people.
James' zealousness and dedication to his faith earned him the position of Archbishop of Halicz, Galacia, in 1392. Despite his high position, he continued to wear his humble Franciscan habit, traveled on foot, and lived as a friar. With great devotion and compassion, he dedicated his efforts to enhancing the lives of the people in his diocese.
As Archbishop, James focused on building various religious houses, schools, hospitals, and churches to serve the spiritual and physical needs of the people. He also brought Polish priests to his diocese to staff these new institutions and worked closely with the Polish parliament on practical, secular matters to improve the welfare of the community.
Blessed James of Strepar was renowned for his holiness and selflessness in serving both God and his fellow human beings. He dedicated his life to promoting peace, understanding, and unity among different Christian communities. His deep love for the Catholic faith, unwavering devotion to the teachings of the Church, and boundless love for his fellow human beings left a lasting impact on all those who encountered him.
He passed away on 20 October 1409 in Lviv, Poland, now located in modern-day Ukraine, from natural causes. James was buried in the Franciscan church in Lviv. In 1419, when his remains were examined, they were found to be incorrupt, a sign often associated with saintly individuals. This further strengthened the belief in his holiness and led to his beatification on 11 September 1791 by Pope Pius VI.
Today, Blessed James of Strepar is honored and venerated as a model of faith, humility, and dedication to the Catholic Church. His life serves as an inspiration for all believers, reminding them of the importance of fostering unity, love, and compassion within the Christian community and the wider world.
