Patron Saint Thomas the Apostle

St. Thomas the Apostle was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He is also referred to as: Apostle of India, Didymus, Doubting Thomas, Judas Thomas, and the Twin.

Although St. Thomas was willing to die for Jesus when they traveled to Jerusalem, he is best known for not believing that Jesus had returned from the dead. Jesus instructed St. Thomas, "Put your finger here, see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." (John 20:27)

All Christians know that St. Thomas the Apostle believed in the Resurrection after he did as Jesus told him. He went on to preach the word of Jesus in Parthia, Persia, and India. St. Thomas built many churches in these countries and because of this was named the patron saint of architects.

St. Thomas the Apostle is the patron of many other causes, as well:

* Against blindness
* Against doubt
* Architects
* Builders
* Construction workers
* Ceylon
* East Indies
* Geometricians
* India
* Masons
* Pakistan
* Sri Lanka
* Stone masons
* Stonecutters
* Surveyors
* Theologians

Many Catholics who have St. Thomas the Apostle as a patron wear a St. Thomas medallion or a St. Thomas medal and pray for his intercession in the needs of their daily lives. Wearing a St. Thomas necklace is a reminder to keep their Christian faith strong and not doubt Jesus as the Son of God. The St. Thomas medal inspires Catholics to recite the Apostle's Creed every day to help them remain focused and steadfast in their faith.

THE APOSTLES' CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.