July 3 – Saint Thomas: Apostle of Faith

May 3 — Saint Thomas, Apostle

Life of Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas, one of the Twelve Apostles, is best known for his initial doubt concerning the resurrection of Christ but later demonstrated unwavering faith in Jesus as his Lord and God. He was a fervent disciple who traveled to spread the Gospel, enduring many hardships for the sake of his faith.

**Short Biography:**
Saint Thomas, often referred to as “Doubting Thomas,” was a steadfast figure among the Apostles of Christ. His journey of faith was profound, marked by moments of skepticism followed by a deep realization of the truth of Christ’s divinity. Tradition holds that Thomas preached in India, where he was martyred, and his legacy continues to inspire the faithful today.

**Full Biography:**
Saint Thomas, also known as Didymus, was born in Galilee and was a fisherman before being called by Jesus to be one of His apostles. His first significant mention in the Scriptures occurs after the resurrection, when the other apostles told him they had seen the Lord; in response, Thomas proclaimed, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails… I will not believe.” (John 20:25). This statement has led to his title of “Doubting Thomas.”

Eight days later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples. He specifically addressed Thomas, inviting him to touch His wounds, leading to Thomas’s profound declaration, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28), signifying a deep transformation from doubt to faith. This moment highlights the essence of faith and belief, central themes in the Christian journey.

As a missionary, Saint Thomas is said to have traveled to India, where he established a community of believers and performed various miracles. His commitment to evangelization laid the groundwork for many Christians throughout that region. Unfortunately, his zealous mission led to his martyrdom, where he was pierced with spears, a testament to his unwavering dedication to Christ.

Saint Thomas’s relics are believed to be housed at the basilica dedicated to him in Mylapore, India, where he remains venerated as the patron saint of architects and builders, reflecting his foundational role in establishing the Church. His feast day is observed on July 3rd, a time for the faithful to reflect on their own beliefs and the importance of faith in their lives.

Prayers
**Prayer of Saint Thomas**
O glorious Saint Thomas, who didst have the privilege of beholding the risen Christ, grant us the grace to believe without seeing, and the strength to follow Him in our lives. Amen.

**A Prayer for Faith**
Heavenly Father, like Thomas, help us to turn our doubts into faith. May we strive to proclaim our belief in Your resurrection and share the gifts of hope and love that come from Your grace. Amen.

Sacramentals
Holy cards, statues, and chaplets dedicated to Saint Thomas are commonly revered. Various prayers and novenas are offered to honor his memory and seek his intercession.

Medals
Devotional medals featuring images of Saint Thomas are often worn by the faithful, symbolizing their connection to his life and example.

Relics
Saint Thomas’s relics are venerated in Mylapore, India, where many pilgrims come to pay homage. The basilica housing his remains is a significant site for devotion and belief among the local Christians and visitors alike.