The Feast of St. Thomas is observed all over the globe on July 3. This day commemorates the life and deeds of Saint Thomas. He travelled to India in the first century A.D. to propagate Christianity. This event has become an opportunity for individuals to pledge their commitment to preserving faith and culture. While Christians observe it to honour one of Jesus Christ’s 12 apostles, Hindus remember him for sparing their ancient nation from a devastating famine. According to legend, he resided in India as a missionary among the Jews, where he popularised Christianity among service-oriented segments of society.
The background of St Thomas History
Although St. Thomas’s history is the subject of much debate, it is known that he travelled to India in the year 52 A.D. Additionally, no one knows when or how he arrived in India, but he established seven churches in Kerala. At age 72, he passed away 20 years after his arrival in the nation.
Some historians assert that St. Thomas travelled by sea from Persia (modern-day Iran) to South India with a Jewish merchant named Habban. Other authors assert that he travelled by land through Afghanistan and Baluchistan, which are now a part of Pakistan, before entering India via Gujarat.
The feast of Saint Thomas was added to the Roman calendar on December 21 in the ninth century. The Martyrology of St. Jerome, a calendar documenting saints’ feast days, mentioned the apostle on July 3, the date the Roman celebration moved it to in 1969. This was done so that the day would no longer conflict with Advent. On December 21, traditionalist Roman Catholics and many Anglicans continue to observe his feast day.
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5 FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE FEAST OF ST THOMAS
St. Thomas is commonly referred to as ‘Doubting Thomas’ because he refused to believe that Jesus had risen from the grave until he could see and touch Him.
St. Thomas was sent to India by St. Bartholomew, where he converted King Gondophares and his brother to Christianity before being slain by a lance while praying in front of a statue of Buddha.
Thomas was chosen to be one of Jesus’ 12 apostles at the beginning of His public ministry. He was born a Jew.
St. Thomas became the patron saint of architects during the Middle Ages due to the belief that he designed and constructed cathedrals in India.
St. Thomas’s Church in Jerusalem, St. Thomas’s Church in Rome, and St. Thomas’s Church in India are additional churches dedicated to St. Thomas.
ST THOMAS HISTORY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 3 | Monday |
| 2024 | July 3 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | July 3 | Thursday |
| 2026 | July 3 | Friday |
| 2027 | July 3 | Saturday |
