The feast day of St. Thomas the Apostle is celebrated on July 3. Thomas was also called Didymus which means twin. St. Thomas is the patron saint of India and architects.
Thomas the Apostle was known for questioning things. He was not afraid to ask questions or state his disbelief. Jesus treated him with love and compassion.
St. Thomas was also known as “Doubting Thomas”. After the resurrection Jesus appeared to the Apostles. Thomas was not there and did not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. When Jesus later appeared to him he said “Peace be with you. Do not doubt but believe.” (John 21:24) St. Thomas also asked Jesus “How can we follow you, when we know not where you are going?” Jesus responded, “I am the way, the truth and the life. Whoever follows me will live forever.”
Thomas was one of the original twelve apostles. He was present at the Last Supper. He was also present when Jesus had the Apostles lower their nets and they miraculously caught many fish. After the resurrection, St. Thomas was sent to evangelize the Parthians, the Persians and India. He is believed to have built the first church in India. St. Thomas died a martyr’s death when at Calamine in India he was speared to death while praying.
My Lord and my God!
Quote of St. Thomas the Apostle
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July is the Month of the Most Precious Blood
The one thing that Thomas had that those who believed before him did not, was a believing community. As the sole unconvinced apostle, he remained with the community for an entire week until Jesus appeared again and spoke to him. That week was necessary for the deepening of Thomas’ faith, and his remaining with them was a sign of his dedication. The members of that community had only come to believe that Jesus was risen because they had seen Jesus; before that, they were as unconvinced as Thomas was. This shows the plan of God that people are to come to belief by being in a community of believers whose lives show the truth of the resurrection. Thomas was the one chosen and called by God to show the power of this plan, and his proclamation, “My Lord and my God!” was the greatest testimony to faith of any of them.