Sts. Philip and James

The Church celebrates Philip, who led others to Jesus, and James the Less, one of the Twelve whose precise later history remains uncertain.

The story

Philip was from Bethsaida in Galilee, the town associated with Peter and Andrew. According to John 1, Jesus personally called him with the words, “Follow me.” Philip then found Nathanael and invited him to meet Jesus. At the feeding of the multitude, Jesus tested Philip by asking where bread could be bought for the crowd. Later, Greek pilgrims approached Philip because they wished to see Jesus, and Philip brought their request to Andrew and then to the Lord.

At the Last Supper, Philip asked Jesus to show the disciples the Father. Christ replied that whoever had seen him had seen the Father. After the Resurrection, Philip appears with the other apostles in the upper room awaiting the Holy Spirit. Later traditions place his ministry and death at Hierapolis in Asia Minor, but the details of his reported martyrdom are not historically certain. He must not be confused with Philip the Deacon and Evangelist described in Acts.

James is named in the apostolic lists as James the son of Alphaeus. He is traditionally called James the Less, or James the Younger, from the description in Mark 15:40. Christian tradition has often identified him with James, the relative of the Lord who became a leader of the Church in Jerusalem and is associated with the Letter of James. That identification is ancient but debated, and the New Testament does not settle it beyond doubt. Josephus reports that James, the brother of Jesus, was executed in Jerusalem in AD 62. This report applies to James the son of Alphaeus only if the traditional identification is correct.

Philip and James have been celebrated together in the Roman liturgy because relics traditionally attributed to them were placed in Rome's Basilica of the Twelve Apostles. Pope Pelagius I began the basilica in the sixth century, and Pope John III completed it. Their joint feast was formerly kept on May 1, the anniversary associated with the basilica's dedication. The revised General Roman Calendar placed their feast on May 3. Its liturgical rank is a feast, honoring them as witnesses chosen by Christ and foundations of the apostolic Church.

What Philip teaches

St. Philip teaches a simple form of evangelization by bringing another person to meet Christ. St. James recalls that apostolic authority is expressed through faithful witness and service. The Church remains apostolic because she preserves the apostles' teaching and mission, as explained in CCC 857.

Patronage

hatters, pastry chefs, pharmacists, fullers.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you called Philip and James to follow you and bear witness to your resurrection. Through their intercession, keep your Church faithful to the apostolic faith and give us courage to bring others into your presence. Lead us with them to the Father. Amen.