St. James the Less
Apostle, son of Alphaeus (Mt 10:3), called "the Less" (mikros) to distinguish him from James the Greater. Tradition often (but not universally) identifies him with James the Just, first bishop of Jerusalem. Joint feast with St. Philip on May 3.
Life & Times
Born: 1st century · Died: 1st century · From: Israel / Jerusalem, tradition.
Patronage
St. James the Less is invoked as the patron of pharmacists, fuller’s workers, dying people, traditional. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”— Epistle of James 1:22 — traditionally identified with St. James the Just, though distinguished in your data; the Epistle is honored as the testament of either or both under traditional Catholic identification.
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Devotional items honoring St. James the Less, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. James the Less, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.