Roman Catholics observe Saturday, July 3, the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle (Santo Tomas Apostol), one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ.
St. Thomas is widely venerated as the patron saint of architects.
Commemorative masses will be held in honor of their patron in several Catholic churches and educational institutions, which will be streamed online, in many parts of the country.
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, a minor basilica in Santhome, which is located in the city of Chennai in India. The church is also known as St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Thomas.