James the Just

Who they were

James, called 'the Just', is named by St Paul as 'the brother of the Lord', a word used for close relatives; in the Catholic tradition he is identified with the apostle James the Less, son of Alphaeus. The risen Christ appeared to him.

He led the Church in Jerusalem and around the year 50 presided at the Council that settled whether Gentile converts must be circumcised. Known for his austere life - no meat, no wine - he is honoured as author of the Letter of James, which teaches that faith without works is dead. He died a martyr, probably by stoning, between 62 and 66.

The miracles

There was never a formal cause: James has been honoured as an apostle and martyr since the earliest Church. His feast is kept with St Philip on 3 May.

Why that counted as sanctity

James led the mother Church of Jerusalem with justice and holiness, taught that faith must be lived in works, and died for Christ.

Connected on this site

• Saint Joseph Saint Parent, Father
• James the Less Saint
  “The Catholic tradition holds that this James is to be identified with James, son of Alphaeus, and James the Less.” — Wikipedia
• James, son of Alphaeus Saint
  “The Catholic tradition holds that this James is to be identified with James, son of Alphaeus, and James the Less.” — Wikipedia
• Paul the Apostle Saint
  “James was personally known to Paul the Apostle (Gal 1:19).” — Wikipedia