1st May, SS Philip and James, Apostles

SS Philip and James, Apostles 
(often transferred to various other dates)

The feasts of the apostles celebrated in the course of the year used to be feasts of obligation. That of St. Philip and St. James at this date recalls the translation of their relics at Rome where the church of the Holy Apostles, consecrated on May 1st (the date of St. Philip's feast), was dedicated to them and received their relics. There is held the Station on all Fridays in Ember Week and on Easter Thursday.

St. Philip, like Peter and Andrew, was of Bethsaida in Galilee. He died at Hierapolis in Phrygia, on the cross, like them. It is he whom Jesus addresses at the multiplication of the loaves and it is through him as intermediary that the Gentiles seek to address the Saviour. To him also we owe what the Master said in His discourse at the Last Supper: "Philip, who seeth Me, seeth My Father" (Gospel). To go to Christ is to go to God, for the works of the Messias have proved His divinity (Ibid.). It is in virtue of His divine nature that He rose again, and the two apostles whose feast coincides with the Easter feasts, by their martyrdom (Introit, Epistle) confirm the truth of which they have been witness.

St. James, called the Minor, was of Cana in Galilee. A cousin of our Lord, he had for brother the Apostle Jude, and was made, by Peter, bishop of Jerusalem. It is of him that St. Paul speaks when he says: "I did not see any apostle except James the brother of the Lord." Called upon by the High Priest to deny Jesus, he was thrown down from the terrace of the Temple and his head was broken by the blow of a club.

Their names are inscribed in the Canon of the Mass (first list). Following the example of the holy apostles Philip and James (Collect) let us confess by a generous life the divinity of the risen Christ.
Clamaverunt ad te, Domine, in tempore afflictionis suae, et tu de caelo exaudisti eos, alleluia, alleluia. * Exsultate, justi, in Domino: rectos decet collaudatio.
In the time of their tribulation they cried to Thee, O Lord, and Thou heardest them from heaven, alleluia, alleluia. * Rejoice in the Lord, ye just: praise becometh the upright.
2 Esdras 9:27 Psalm 32:1 from the Introit of Mass)

Deus, qui nos annua Apostolorum tuorum Philippi et Jacobi solemnitate laetificas: praesta, quaesumus; ut, quorum gaudemus meritis, instruamur exemplis.
O God, who makest us glad by the yearly festival of Thine apostles Philip and James; grant, we beseech Thee, that we who rejoice in their merits, may be taught by their example.
(Collect)