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| St. James the Moor-slayer |
A tradition states that St. James the Apostle, the patron of Spain, miraculously appeared to fight for the Catholic army during the battle of Clavijo, and was henceforth called Matamoros (Moor-slayer). Santiago y cierra España ("St James and strike for Spain") has been the traditional battle cry of Spanish armies.
“ St James the Moorslayer, one of the most valiant saints and knights the world ever had ... has been given by God to Spain for its patron and protection. ”St. James(at Compostela) is one of 3 apostles(the others being St. Peter in Rome and St. Thomas in Chennai, India) to have reasonable claims to the whereabouts of their bodies.
—Cervantes, Don Quixote
FatherZ with some commentary on today's feast.
¡Santiago y cierra España!