The story of their life
James son of Alphaeus appears in the apostolic lists, but little else can be stated securely; later traditions sometimes merge him with other New Testament figures named James.
Saint1st century · Feast May 3
St James the Less
Also known as James son of Alphaeus, James the Lesser, James the Less, Saint James
Apostle
Martyr
One of the Twelve apostles whose limited surviving biography makes him a symbol of faithful service without recognition.
A note on content. This profile is a prototype draft. Devotional traditions, historical facts and uncertain traditions will be clearly identified once entries are reviewed. We do not publish invented quotations.
Historical context
Several important early Christians shared the name James, making careful identification essential.
Defining moments
- Being called among the Twelve
- Remaining within the apostolic community
- Sharing the Church’s earliest mission
Faith and spirituality
Hidden fidelity, perseverance and service that does not depend upon public recognition.
Why this saint matters today
A strong companion for people whose work matters even when their name or contribution receives little attention.
Patronage and intercession
People turn to St James the Less in matters of:
People serving anonymously
Quiet volunteers
Those overshadowed by others
A prayer
Faithful God, through St James the Less’s intercession teach us to serve well even when our work remains hidden. Amen.
Timeline
Sources and further reading
- https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/05/03.html
- https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/
Source-quality status: unverified prototype