James the Less
· The son of Alphaeus of Cleophas. His mother, Mary of Clopas, was either a sister or a close relative of Jesus’ mother, Mary, and for that reason, according to Jewish custom, he was sometimes called “the brother of the Lord.”
· Brother of Jude (Thaddeus). Both received training that was typical in all pious Jewish homes. This training was based on the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and the rigorous observance of the Law. Thaddeus and James were called to the apostleship in the second year of Christ’s preaching.
· James is at the top of the third group of Apostles. He was one of the first to have visions of the risen Christ.
· Was called “the Less” either from his having become an Apostle later than the other James did, or because he was short, or because he was young. He is also known by the title of “James the Just” because of his renowned sanctity.
· According to historians, James remained a virgin, and was one consecrated to God. Because of this he never shaved, never cut his hair, never drank any wine or strong liquor, never used any bath, or oil, to anoint his limbs, never ate any living creature except when of precept, never wore sandals, and never used any other clothes than one single linen garment.
· There were many stories surrounding James the Less. One is that he spent so much time in prayer that his knees thickened, and made him look like a camel. Another story is the after Christ’s crucifixion, James said he would fast until Christ returned. When the resurrected Jesus appeared to him, He fixed a meal for James Himself.
· James the Less is the author of the first Catholic Epistle, which he wrote in Greek. He held a distinguished position in the early Christian community of Jerusalem. He was the first Bishop of Jerusalem, and was at the Council of Jerusalem around the year 50. Historian accounts say that James was martyred for his faith by the Jews in the spring of the year 62 A.D. He was thrown from a pinnacle of the Temple, then stoned and beaten to death with clubs, including fuller’s mallets, all the while praying for his attackers. He was buried near the temple, in the place in which he was martyred, where a small column was built.
· Patron of hatmakers, fullers, and pharmacists.
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