Feast Day: July 3 (Roman Rite – pre-1962 Calendar: December 21)
Title: Apostle, Martyr
Symbols: Spear, builder’s square, three stones, and a belt (often associated with his missionary work in India)
Patronage: Architects, builders, India, the blind, theologians
Early Life and Call
Saint Thomas was one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Our Lord Jesus Christ. His name in Hebrew, תָּאוֹמָא (Ta’oma’), means “twin,” as does the Greek form, Didymus. Little is known of his life before he was called by the Lord, but tradition holds that he was from Galilee, like most of the Apostles.
In the Gospel
Thomas is most well known from the Gospel of Saint John, where his character is revealed through several key moments:
- In John 11:16, when Jesus plans to return to Judea despite the threat of death, Thomas boldly says to the others: “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”
- In John 14:5, during the Last Supper, when Christ speaks of going to prepare a place, Thomas humbly asks: “Lord, we do not know where You are going; how can we know the way?”
This prompts Jesus’ famous reply:
“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…” - The most iconic moment is in John 20:24-29, after the Resurrection. Thomas is not present when Christ first appears to the other Apostles. When told of the Resurrection, he famously responds: “Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails… I will not believe.”
Eight days later, Christ appears again and invites Thomas to touch His wounds. Overcome, Thomas makes his immortal act of faith:
“My Lord and my God!”
Christ replies:
“Because thou hast seen Me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen and have believed.”
This confession has made Saint Thomas a model of faith arising from doubt.
Apostolic Mission and Martyrdom
According to ancient Church tradition, after Pentecost, Saint Thomas journeyed eastward beyond the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel. His missionary labors are associated with Parthia, Persia, and especially India. The Acts of Thomas, an early Christian text (though apocryphal in part), describes his preaching and miracles in India.
Tradition firmly rooted among the Syro-Malabar Catholics of India holds that Thomas arrived on the Malabar Coast (modern-day Kerala) around 52 A.D., founded seven churches, and converted many to the Faith, including members of royal families.
He was martyred by being pierced with a lance or spear, near Mylapore (modern Chennai), around 72 A.D. His relics were later translated to Edessa (modern-day Turkey), and some eventually made their way to Ortona, Italy, where they remain venerated today.
Legacy and Veneration
Saint Thomas has long been honored in both East and West. The Syriac Churches particularly revere him as their apostolic founder, and he is invoked as the Apostle of India. His deep yearning for truth, initial doubt, and eventual blazing faith have made him a powerful intercessor for those struggling with belief.
His feast was historically celebrated in the Roman Rite on December 21, but was moved to July 3, the date of the translation of his relics to Edessa. The traditional calendar retains the original date.
Spiritual Lessons from Saint Thomas
- Faith seeks understanding: Thomas’ honest questioning drew forth one of the most profound declarations of Christ’s divinity.
- Doubt does not exclude grace: His journey from unbelief to adoration shows the patience and mercy of Christ.
- Apostolic zeal: Thomas traversed distant lands, fearless in preaching Christ Crucified to pagans and rulers alike.
- Martyr’s courage: He sealed his witness with his blood, a true imitator of the Crucified Master he once doubted.
Prayer to Saint Thomas the Apostle
O glorious Saint Thomas, your love for Jesus was strong even in doubt, and your faith burned brightly when your eyes beheld His wounds. Intercede for us, that we may believe more firmly, hope more confidently, and love more fervently. May we, like you, boldly proclaim Him our Lord and our God. Amen.