Skip to main content

St. Thomas Day | பரி.தோமாவின் திருநாள் - July 3nd

 St. Thomas: The Apostle of India and His Enduring Legacy


Every year, on July 3rd, believers worldwide commemorate the life and contributions of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. St. Thomas holds a special place in the hearts of many in India, particularly in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, where his ministry took root. In this blog, we delve into the life of St. Thomas, his arrival in India, his significant contributions to spreading Christianity, and the circumstances surrounding his martyrdom.

Who was St. Thomas?

St. Thomas, also known as Doubting Thomas, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ to spread His teachings and establish His Church. He is often remembered for his initial disbelief in the resurrection of Jesus but later became a zealous and courageous proclaimer of the Gospel.

Biblical References:

The life of St. Thomas is primarily documented in the New Testament. In the Gospel of John, Thomas is famously depicted as questioning the resurrection of Jesus until he saw and touched the wounds of Christ. In the book of Acts, it is mentioned that Thomas travelled beyond the Roman Empire, reaching as far as India to fulfil his apostolic mission.

Ministry in India:

St. Thomas' ministry in India holds significant historical and religious importance. According to ancient accounts and traditions, he arrived in the port city of Muziris (present-day Kodungallur) in the Indian state of Kerala around 52 AD. From there, he travelled extensively, spreading the message of Christ and establishing Christian communities along the Malabar Coast.


St. Thomas Church, also known as Marthoma Pontifical Shrine is a major pilgrim centre located on the banks of the River Periyar in the village of Azhikode in Kerala

Ministry in Tamil Nadu:

St. Thomas' mission extended to Tamil Nadu, where he left an indelible mark on the early Christian community. Tradition suggests that he travelled to various towns and villages, including Mylapore (now a part of Chennai), Palayoor, and Madrasapattinam (now Chennai). St. Thomas preached the Gospel, performed miracles, and baptized numerous individuals, laying the foundation for Christianity in the region.

The Basilica of St. Thomas:

One of the most prominent landmarks associated with St. Thomas in India is the Basilica of St. Thomas in Mylapore, Chennai. The basilica stands where the apostle is believed to have been martyred. Pilgrims from across the world visit this sacred place to pay homage to St. Thomas and seek spiritual solace.


Santhome Church, officially known as St Thomas Cathedral Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Thomas, is a minor basilica of the Catholic Church in India.

St. Thomas Mount:

St. Thomas Mount, also known as Parangi Malai, holds great significance in relation to St. Thomas' presence in Chennai. This small hillock located in the neighbourhood of Mylapore is believed to be the place where St. Thomas sought solitude and engaged in prayer during his time in the region. It is said that he lived in a cave on the Mount, which is now a part of the Church of Our Lady of Expectation.

St.Thomas Mount

Death of St. Thomas:

The circumstances surrounding St. Thomas' death remain the subject of historical and traditional debate. According to ancient accounts, his martyrdom occurred in Mylapore, where he was speared to end by a hostile local king for his unwavering commitment to his faith. St. Thomas' martyrdom solidified his legacy as a faithful disciple who gave his life for the cause of spreading Christianity.


St. Thomas' ministry in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Christianity in the country. His unwavering faith, commitment to spreading the Gospel, and ultimate martyrdom inspire Christians to this day. On this St. Thomas Day, let us remember and honour the life and contributions of this remarkable apostle who played a pivotal role in establishing the foundations of Christianity in India.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Epiphany | பிரசன்ன திருநாள் | Jan 6th

   The Epiphany பிரசன்ன திருநாள் Beyond the Starry Night: Unwrapping the Epiphany's Timeless Wisdom Epiphany, also known as the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings' Day, holds a special place in the Christian calendar, marking the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. This festival, celebrated on January 6th, carries profound biblical significance, rooted in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:1-12). The biblical narrative of Epiphany revolves around the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men, to the infant Jesus. These wise scholars from the East follow the star that leads them to Bethlehem, inquiring,  "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him"  (Matthew 2:2).   This question not only recognizes Jesus as a king but also reveals divine guidance through the star's appearance. Epiphany is a powerful reminder of the universal nature of Jesus' mission. By accepting the homage of the Wise M...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why "k" Used to Represent Constants?

In mathematics and physics, constants are fundamental values that remain unchanged and have fixed numerical values. One common notation for representing constants is the letter "k." But why specifically "k"? Let's explore the historical, practical, and cultural reasons behind this choice. Historical Origins The use of "k" to represent constants can be traced back to the early days of mathematics and physics notation. The letter "k" likely originated from the German word "Konstante" or the Latin word "constantia," both meaning "constant." German mathematicians and physicists have made significant contributions to these fields, and their influence on notation is notable. Versatility and Availability One reason "k" is commonly used is its versatility and availability in the Latin alphabet. It is not frequently used for other purposes in mathematics or physics, making it a convenient choice for deno...
Post a Comment
Read more

Respect for Our Healers: Honoring the Role of Doctors in Society

  Respect for Our Healers Honouring the Role of Doctors in Society The recent tragic loss of a young trainee doctor at the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital has left the nation in mourning and raised urgent questions about the safety and respect of those who dedicate their lives to healing others. This horrific incident, which took place on the morning of August 9th, has shaken the medical community and society as a whole, highlighting the dangers faced by those who work tirelessly to care for us. In the wake of such a tragedy, we are forced to ask ourselves:  Are we truly living in a free and independent society  when our healers and protectors are not safe? The Unseen Struggles of Doctors Doctors are often seen as the backbone of our healthcare system, standing on the front lines, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. They work tirelessly, usually putting their health and well-being at risk, to ensure others can lead healthy lives. Yet, despite th...
Post a Comment
Read more