Saint James the Less: Basilica of the Holy Apostles

 

Life and Martyrdom

• c. 5 AD – 30 AD: James, son of Alphaeus, called “the Less” (possibly younger or shorter), was an Apostle with a low profile in the Gospels.
• 30–62 AD: Post-Pentecost, James preached in Jerusalem, possibly leading the church there (sometimes conflated with James, brother of Jesus). In 62 AD, Jewish historian Josephus and Hegesippus report he was martyred—stoned or clubbed—by Jewish leaders for his faith.

Burial and Tomb Development

• 62 AD: Buried in Jerusalem, likely near his martyrdom site.
• 4th–9th Centuries: Tradition says his relics, with Philip’s, were moved to Rome, possibly under Pope Pelagius I (6th century), to the Basilica of the Holy Apostles (Santi Apostoli).
• 9th Century – Present: The relics rest in a crypt beneath the altar, shared with Philip, in a porphyry urn. The basilica, rebuilt in the 15th and 18th centuries, preserves this tomb.

Timeline

• c. 5 AD: Born in Galilee.
• c. 30 AD: Joins the Apostles.
• 30–62 AD: Preaches in Jerusalem.
• 62 AD: Martyred and buried in Jerusalem.
• 4th–9th Centuries: Relics transferred to Rome.
• 9th Century: Enshrined in Basilica of the Holy Apostles.

Current Status

The Basilica of the Holy Apostles houses James’ and Philip’s relics in a shared crypt, a modest site of devotion. The transfer’s timing is uncertain, but the basilica’s claim is longstanding.

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