Saint Thomas Day, celebrated annually on July 3rd, commemorates the life and legacy of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Also known as Didymus and Judas Thomas, he embarked on a profound journey beyond the Roman Empire to spread the gospel.
According to tradition upheld by Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala, India, Thomas traveled to South India and preached Christianity, converting many to the faith. He later moved along the Coromandel coast and met his martyrdom in Mylapore, Chennai, on July 3rd, 72 AD.
Originally, Saint Thomas Day was observed on December 21st, but after the discovery of his remains in Chennai, it was correctly identified as July 3rd by the Syrian churches of Kerala. This day holds significance across different Christian traditions, with the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrating his martyrdom on October 6th.
Saint Thomas is revered as the patron saint of India and is credited with founding the Indian church. Legend has it that he landed on the shores of Kerala, specifically at Kodungallur in Thrissur District. The Syrian Christians of the Malabar Coast trace their Christian roots back to Saint Thomas, crediting him with their conversion.
In 1523, the Portuguese erected the Fortaleza da São Tomé (Fortress of Saint Thomas) near the spot believed to be where Saint Thomas began his evangelical mission in India. Despite its destruction by the Dutch in 1663, remnants of the fort can still be seen at the mouth of the Periyar River where it meets the Arabian Sea.
Saint Thomas is famously known as ‘Doubting Thomas’ because of his initial skepticism about Jesus's resurrection, only to become a devout believer after seeing Jesus's crucifixion wounds firsthand. His final moments came when he was fatally stabbed with a spear at St. Thomas Mount, also known as Parangimalai hillock, in Chennai.
Saint Thomas Day stands as a testament to his enduring influence and the spread of Christianity in India. It serves as a day of reflection and celebration of his profound contributions to the faith.
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