Roman Catholics will observe on Friday (July 3) the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle (Santo Tomas Apostol), one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ.
Popularly known as the patron of architects, St. Thomas and his teachings will be commemorated in several Catholic churches and educational institutions which will be streamed online.
Special devotional prayers and novenas in honor of the venerated saint are traditional observances on his feast day.
Also known as Didymus, St. Thomas was a great preacher and missionary worker who traveled as far as India and Iran, where he successfully converted thousands to the faith. He was greatly admired for his deep faith, concern for the poor and ardent love for Jesus that he was willing to die for Him.
Also called “doubting Thomas” for disbelieving Jesus’ Resurrection when first told of the glorious event, St. Thomas, upon seeing the risen Christ, affirmed his faith as he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God.”
St. Thomas died a martyr of the Christian faith. He was buried at the San Thome Church, also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Thomas, a minor basilica in Santhome, in the city of Chennai in India.