Who is saint james the lesser

Clement of Alexandria says, that Christ being risen from the dead, communicated the gift of science to SS. James the Just, John, and Peter, and that they imparted it to the other apostles. We are told by SS. Jerome and Epiphanius, that our Lord, at his ascension, recommended his church of Jerusalem to St. James; in consequence whereof the apostles, before their dispersion, constituted him bishop of that city. It was probably for a mark of his episcopal authority, and as an ensign of his dignity, that he wore on his head a lamina, or plate of gold, as is recounted by St.

Polycrates, quoted by Eusebius, testifies, that St. John did the same: others relate the like of St. It was probably done in imitation of the Jewish high-priest. James governed that church in perpetual dangers, from the fury of the people and their violent persecutions; but his singular virtue procured him the veneration of the Jews themselves. As to his sanctity, Eusebius and St. Jerome give from Hegesippus the following account concerning him: "He was always a virgin, and was a Nazarite, or one consecrated to God.

In consequence of which he was never shaved, never cut his hair, never drank any wine or other strong liquor; moreover, he never used any bath, or oil to anoint his limbs, and never ate of any living creature except when of precept, as the paschal lamb: he never wore sandals, never used any other clothes than one single linen garment.

He prostrated so much in prayer, that the skin of his knees and forehead was hardened like to camels' hoofs. Epiphanius says, that, in a great drought, on stretching out his arms to heaven, he, by his prayers, instantly obtained rain. His eminent sanctity made even the Jews style him the just man: and Origen observes, that Josephus himself gives him that epithet, though it is not to be found now in Josephus' works. The same reverence for his person procured him the privilege of entering at pleasure into the Sanctum or Holy place, namely, that part of the temple where none but the priests were allowed by the law to enter.

Jerome adds, that the Jews strove, out of respect, who should touch the hem of his garment. In the year 51, he assisted at the council of the apostles, held at Jerusalem, about the observance of circumcision, and the other legal ceremonies of the law of Moses. He is also the patron saint of fullers, those who clean, shrink, and thicken cloth; hatters; and druggists.

Tags: Apostle , Martyr , St. James the Lesser , St. Category : Catholic Hotdish. Gratitude — in the growing, giving and goodbye. Digital Edition — November 11, Visit your dead friends.

Saints point the way. Rejection letters and the spiritual life. Cemetery visits prompt prayer, reflections on the past. Subscribe If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.

Sign Me Up. He is usually shown in art holding a book and a club. He is the patron saint of pharmacists, fullers and hatmakers, all of whom use clubs in their work. Your Faith. Share this story. First benefiting from a pension from the Academy of France, he sculpted the Terms of Summer and Winter gardens of Versailles.

His very personal style involved great precision and a certain degree of rigidity, emphasising the verticality of reclining figures. Revise your French history with help from the artworks of the Palace of Versailles! Through our new partnership with the French American Cultural Foundation, American citizens can easily support the Palace of Versailles. During these difficult times, the Palace needs your support more than ever. Discover more on this Foundation.

Discover the history of the Palace of Versailles and its characters in this illustrated video for young and old alike!