Roman Catholics commemorate Sunday, July 3, the Feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle (Santo Tomas Apostol), one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ.
Popularly venerated as the patron saint of architects, feast masses will be held in honor of their patron in several Catholic churches and educational institutions 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, compassion and concern for the poor and ardent love for Jesus that he was willing to offer his life 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, which is located in the city of Chennai in India.