The feasts of the Apostles throughout the year were formerly all holidays. That of SS. Philip and James celebrates the solemn translation of their relics to the church of the Holy Apostles at Rome, which is dedicated to them, and where they still rest. The station is made there on all the Ember Fridays and on Thursday on Easter week. Philip, like Peter and Andrew came from Bethsaida in Galilee. He seems to have enjoyed a special degree of intimacy with our Lord, for it was to him that our Lord addressed Himself on the occasion of the multiplication of the loaves, and he acted as intermediary for the Gentiles who wished to speak to Christ. His words in today’s Gospel: “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us” also show a certain liberty. According to ancient traditions, after Pentecost he preached in Phrygia and died on a cross at Hierapolis. St. James surnamed the Less to distinguish him from St. John’s brother, was a native of Cana in Galilee and a cousin of our Lord. He became the first bishop of Jerusalem, and it is to him that St. Paul referred when he said: “Of the Apostles I saw none save James, the brother of the Lord.” The High Priest called on him to deny Christ; on his refusal he was thrown down from the terrace of the Temple, and his head broken with a club. The names of SS. Philip and James are mentioned in the Canon of the Mass.