Feast Day of Sts. Philip and James: Apostles of Faith
On May 3rd, the Catholic Church commemorates Sts. Philip and James, Two Apostles whose dedication and teachings profoundly shaped early Christianity. Their shared feast day highlights their significant roles in spreading the message of Jesus and guiding the faithful.
Shared Feast Day Significance
Sts. Philip and James share a feast day on May 3rd, believed to be rooted in the fact that their relics were brought to Rome together in 560 A.D. They were originally placed in a Basilica dedicated to them near the center of Rome, which has since been rededicated to the Twelve Holy Apostles.
Apostle Philip: The Seeker of Truth
Philip was one of the Twelve Apostles, likely a follower of John the Baptist before coming to Jesus. Originating from Bethsaida, a fishing town on the Sea of Galilee, Philip responded to Jesus' call and became one of His closest disciples. He is known for bringing Nathanael to Christ and is often associated with symbols such as the Latin cross, a cross with two loaves (related to his response in John 6:7), a basket filled with bread, a spear adorned with a patriarchal cross, and a cross with a carpenter's square.
During his ministry, Philip participated in the miracle of the loaves and fishes and engaged in dialogue with Jesus about His mission. He was also approached by Hellenistic Jews who sought to meet Jesus. Beyond his initial ministry, Philip’s later life saw him preaching in Greece, where he is believed to have met a martyr's death, being crucified upside down at Hierapolis under Emperor Domitian.
Saint James the Less: Leader in the Early Church
Saint James the Less, often recognized as the author of the first Catholic Epistle, was the son of Alphaeus of Cleophas. His mother, Mary, is thought to be a relative of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which led to him being referred to as the "brother of the Lord." As a prominent figure in the early Christian community of Jerusalem, he was regarded as a "pillar" of the Church. Saint Paul noted that he witnessed the Resurrection of Christ and frequently consulted him regarding the Gospel.
Tradition holds that James served as the first Bishop of Jerusalem and participated in the Council of Jerusalem around 50 A.D. Historians such as Eusebius and Hegesippus state that he was martyred in the Spring of 62 A.D. for his unwavering faith, despite being held in high esteem by his contemporaries, who referred to him as "James the Just."
James is accredited with writing the Epistle that bears his name, which emphasizes practical Christian living. Scholars debate the exact date of this writing, with some suggesting it was penned around 49 A.D., while others propose a timeframe between 60-62 A.D. The epistle addresses the "twelve tribes in the Dispersion," offering guidance to Christians facing temptations in a pagan society, and emphasizes the importance of faith in action.
Symbols of the Apostles
Philip is often represented with symbols reflecting his activities and teachings, including the cross with loaves and various other items indicative of his faith. Saint James, on the other hand, is associated with the scallop shell (or "cockle shell"), a symbol frequently worn by pilgrims visiting his shrine. The French term for this shell, coquille St. Jacques, translates to "cockle of [St.] Jacob," highlighting its significance in Christian pilgrimage.
The feast day of Sts. Philip and James remind us that the Gospel is invitational and that Christ's message is available for all humankind.