St. James the Apostle (Small James)

St. James the Apostle, also known as James the Less, was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He was the son of Mary and Clopas, making him a close relative of Jesus. Known for his humility and quiet faith, James was a pillar of the early Christian church, and he played an important role in spreading Christianity. He is believed to have been martyred in Jerusalem around 62 AD.

St. James the Apostle, often referred to as James the Less, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. His name "James the Less" was likely used to distinguish him from James the Greater, the brother of John. This designation could be due to his smaller or younger stature, or perhaps because he was considered less prominent in the biblical narrative compared to James the Greater.

James the Less was the son of a Mary, possibly the sister or close relative of the Virgin Mary, and Clopas (or Alphaeus), a man of the Jewish faith. This relationship to Mary made him a close relative of Jesus, a detail that sometimes causes confusion, as the term "brother" or "sibling" is used for some of Jesus' close relatives in the Gospels. James is sometimes referred to as one of Jesus’ brothers, but more often, he is seen as a relative or cousin, which would explain his inclusion among the apostles.

James the Less is often seen as one of the more humble apostles. While other apostles, like Peter and John, take on more prominent roles in the Gospels, James remains more of a silent figure. He is mentioned in the lists of the apostles but doesn't take center stage in the accounts of Jesus' ministry. This has led some scholars and theologians to interpret James’ quiet nature as emblematic of the Christian virtues of humility and faithfulness.

Despite his less prominent role in the Gospels, James the Less is associated with significant events in the early church. According to tradition, after the Resurrection of Jesus, James became a leader of the Christian community in Jerusalem. This role placed him at the center of the early Christian church, where he was known for his wisdom and piety. He played a vital part in guiding the church through its early years, especially during the time when the church was under heavy persecution from both the Roman authorities and Jewish leaders.

James' death is described in various ancient sources, though details vary. According to some accounts, he was martyred in 62 AD. The historian Josephus records that James was stoned to death, though some sources suggest he was thrown from the pinnacle of the Temple in Jerusalem before being beaten to death with a club. His death marked a tragic moment in the history of the early Christian church, and he became one of the first apostles to be martyred.

James the Less was buried in Jerusalem, though some traditions suggest his remains were later moved to Spain, where a shrine in Santiago de Compostela is dedicated to him. This site became one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Christian world, especially during the Middle Ages.

Although there is no formal record of his canonization, St. James the Less has been venerated as a saint for centuries. His feast day is celebrated on May 3rd, and it commemorates both his life and his significant contributions to the early Christian church. As a figure who exemplified humility, devotion, and service to Christ, St. James the Less remains an important and revered figure in Christian tradition.

Feast Day

3-5-

Birth Date

--Approx. early 1st century, likely around 1 AD.

Died Date

23-5-Approx. 62 AD

Canonised Date

--N/A

Likely buried in Jerusalem, though some traditions claim he was buried in a different location

O glorious St. James, faithful Apostle of Christ, You humbly served and spread His Gospel with love. Help us to follow your example of devotion and perseverance. Strengthen our faith, guide our hearts, And lead us ever closer to Jesus. Amen.
ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE (SMALL JAMES)

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ST. JAMES THE APOSTLE (SMALL JAMES)

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