Saints Philip and James

Philip came from Bethsaida in Galilee, the town of Andrew and Peter. Jesus called him with the words "Follow me," and Philip at once brought his friend Nathanael. In John's Gospel he wonders how to feed the five thousand, brings Greeks who wish to see Jesus, and at the Last Supper asks, "Lord, show us the Father," receiving the answer, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." Tradition says he preached in Asia Minor and died at Hierapolis in Phrygia.

James, son of Alphaeus, is often called James the Less to distinguish him from James, the brother of John. Many traditions identify him with James, "the brother of the Lord," leader of the Church in Jerusalem, who was martyred there around 62. The two apostles share a feast because their relics were placed together in the Basilica of the Twelve Apostles in Rome in the sixth century.

The Basilica of the Santi Apostoli in Rome keeps their relics and celebrates the feast solemnly. The feast was kept on May 1 for centuries, moved to May 11 in 1955, and has been on May 3 since 1969.

In Spanish-speaking countries the day is shared with the popular Fiesta de la Santa Cruz.