St. James the Lesser the Apostle

Personal veneration is available in the Chapel during the hour before the 11:30 a.m. Mass, offering quiet time for prayer and reflection. St. James the Lesser the Apostle’s feast day is on May 3. In honor of his life and witness, the National Shrine will bring his relic from the Apparition Oratory to the Apparition Chapel for veneration that day. All are welcome to attend and pray with this great Apostle on his Feast Day! St. James the Lesser was one of the Twelve Apostles and is traditionally identified as the first bishop of Jerusalem. Known for his holiness and leadership in the early Church, he helped guide the Christian community and remained faithful to Christ even unto martyrdom.