Saint Thomas The Apostle

Biography

Saint Thomas the Apostle, also known as Apostle of India, Didymus, Doubting Thomas, Judas Thomas, the Twin, and Tomaso, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. He is best known for doubting the Resurrection of Jesus until he was allowed to touch Christ's wounds. Despite his initial doubt, Thomas ultimately became a devoted apostle and played a significant role in spreading the teachings of Christianity in Parthia, Persia, and India. Saint Thomas displayed his unwavering loyalty to Jesus when Christ was on his way to Jerusalem, being prepared to die alongside him. However, he is most remembered for his doubt regarding the Resurrection. After Jesus appeared to his disciples after the crucifixion, Thomas declared that he would only believe if he touched the wounds of Jesus. Jesus, in his mercy, allowed Thomas to do so, leading Thomas to exclaim, "My Lord and my God!" Following this encounter, Saint Thomas embarked on a mission to spread the Gospel in distant lands. Initially reluctant, he was taken into slavery by a merchant bound for India. However, Thomas eventually embraced God's will, and through divine intervention, he was freed from slavery and began his mission in earnest. Saint Thomas tirelessly preached the message of Christianity in Parthia, Persia, and India. Despite facing numerous challenges, he was instrumental in establishing the Church in these regions. Along his journey, he founded many parishes and built numerous churches, evidencing his dedication to the spiritual growth of the faithful. In a remarkable tradition, it is believed that Saint Thomas baptised the wise men from the Nativity narrative into Christianity. This account attests to his evangelistic efforts and highlights his commitment to spreading the Good News. The symbol that represents Saint Thomas is the builder's square, and there are various stories that explain its significance. One story recounts that he constructed a palace for King Guduphara in India, demonstrating his skills as an architect and builder. Another story credits him with building the first church in India with his own hands, thereby giving physical form to his mission. The builder's square also symbolizes the importance of building a strong spiritual foundation, as Saint Thomas exhibited complete faith in Christ, even if his belief in the Resurrection initially wavered. There is an anecdote where Saint Thomas offered to construct a palace for an Indian king that would last forever. When the king gave him money, Thomas promptly gave it away to the poor, explaining that the palace he was building was not on earth but in heaven. This story emphasizes Saint Thomas' focus on the eternal and serves as a reminder of the impermanence of earthly structures when compared to the enduring nature of the Kingdom of God. Ultimately, Saint Thomas met his martyrdom while praying on a hill in Mylapur, India. He died around the year 72 after being stabbed with a spear. He was buried near the site of his death, and his relics were later transferred to Edessa, Mesopotamia. In the 13th century, his relics were moved to Tortona, Italy. Though he is considered a pre-congregation saint, Saint Thomas the Apostle holds a special place in the hearts of many faithful. He is revered as the patron saint against blindness, doubt, architects, blind people, builders, construction workers, geometricians, masons, people in doubt, stone masons, stonecutters, surveyors, and theologians. Saint Thomas the Apostle's influence extended far and wide, shaping the growth of Christianity in Ceylon, East Indies, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. Additionally, several dioceses and towns, such as Bathery in India, the diocese of Bathery, India, as well as Castelfranco di Sopra, Certaldo, and Ortona in Italy, have found inspiration in his life and venerate him as their patron saint. The life of Saint Thomas the Apostle serves as a testament to his unwavering faith, his resilience in the face of doubt, and his commitment to the mission of spreading the Gospel. He continues to inspire believers with his example of dedication, service, and trust in the Lord.