St. Thomas the Apostle: The Patron of Architects and Apostle to India

•Apostle 
•Feast day: July 3 
•First Century  

St. Thomas the Apostle, often remembered as “Doubting Thomas,” holds a significant place in Christian tradition as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and the patron saint of architects. Born in Galilee of humble origins, Thomas exhibited love and loyalty towards Jesus, willing to face death for his Master.

The Doubt and Faith of St. Thomas

Following the crucifixion of Jesus, Thomas distanced himself from the other apostles and expressed skepticism about the reports of Jesus’ resurrection. His disbelief earned him the moniker “Doubting Thomas.” A week later, Jesus appeared to the apostles once again and invited Thomas to touch His wounds, urging him to believe. Overcome with faith, Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus responded with a blessing for future believers: “You have come to believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed” (John 20:29).

The Mission in India

Tradition holds that after Pentecost, Thomas was sold into slavery to Gundafor, the King of India, who had heard of Thomas’s architectural skills. The king commissioned Thomas to build a magnificent palace. Instead of constructing the physical palace, Thomas distributed the funds to the poor, explaining that the palace could only be seen in the afterlife. When Gundafor demanded to see the palace, he was initially enraged and threatened Thomas with death. However, his brother had a vision of the heavenly palace Thomas had prepared, leading to Gundafor’s conversion and baptism, along with many of his people.

Evangelization and Martyrdom

Thomas dedicated the rest of his life to spreading Christianity across India, converting many to the faith. His mission brought him into conflict with King Mazday after converting the king’s wife. This conflict ultimately led to Thomas’s martyrdom; he was killed on a hilltop, sealing his testimony with his blood.

Legacy and Patronage

St. Thomas’s legacy endures through his evangelistic efforts in India and his patronage of architects. His story exemplifies the transformation from doubt to unwavering faith and highlights the profound impact of his mission. Today, St. Thomas is venerated for his contributions to Christianity and his role in spreading the faith far beyond the borders of the Roman Empire.