Mar 23, 2025

Saint James the Less: Basilica of the Holy Apostles

 

Life and Martyrdom

  • c. 5 AD – 30 AD: James, son of Alphaeus, called β€œthe 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 martyredβ€”stoned or clubbedβ€”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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