Saint Thomas the Apostle
Patron Saint of Architects

"St. Thomas was a Jew called to be one of the twelve Apostles. He was a dedicated but impetuous follower of Christ. When Jesus said He was returning to Judea to visit His sick friend Lazarus, Thomas immediately exhorted the other Apostles to accompany Him on the trip - even though it involved certain danger and possible death due to the mounting hostility of the authorities. At the Last Supper, when Christ told His Apostles that He was going to prepare a place for them to which they they already knew the way, Thomas pleaded that they did not understand and received the beautiful assurance that I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).

St. Thomas is best known for his role in verifying the Resurrection of his Master. Thomas' unwillingness to believe that the other Apostles had seen their risen Lord on the first Easter Sunday merited for him the title of 'doubting Thomas.' Eight days later, on Christ's second appearance, Thomas was gently rebuked for his skepticism and furnished with the evidence he had demanded - seeing in Christ's hands the point of the nails and putting his fingers in the place of the nails and his hand into His side. At this, St. Thomas became convinced of the truth of the Resurrection and exclaimed: 'My Lord and My God.' Tradition has it that he preached in Parthia, Persia and India, where he was martyred."

Prayer to St. Thomas
"Dear St. Thomas, you were once slow in believing that Christ had gloriously risen; but later, because you had seen him you exclaimed: "My Lord and my God!" According to an ancient story, you rendered most powerful assistance for constructing a church in a place where pagan priests opposed it. Please bless architects, builders, and carpenter that through them the Lord may be honored. Amen."

Prayer to St. Thomas
"O Glorious St. Thomas, your grief for Jesus was such that it would not let you believe he had risen unless you actually saw him and touched his wounds. But your love for Jesus was equally great and it led you to give up your life for him. Pray for us that we may grieve for our sins which were the cause of Christ's sufferings. Help us to spend ourselves in his service and so earn the title of 'Blessed' which Jesus applied to those who would believe in him without seeing him."