IN TODAY’S LIVES OF THE SAINTS AND MARYTRS NO DOUBT, IT’S AN APOSTLE’S FEAST DAY!

Winchester, VA – Born in the first century, Thomas was one of the twelve apostles and was given the name “Didymus” which means “the twin.” Thomas speaks a few times in the Gospel of St. John, first in chapter eleven where, after Lazarus’ death, he encourages the apostles to accompany Jesus back to Judea, saying “Let us also go, that we may die with him,”; and again in chapter 14, where Jesus explains that he is preparing a home for his followers, who will join him there, and Thomas responds, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Thomas is most famous for his moment of doubt after the Resurrection, in John chapter 20, where he says, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe,” and having the opportunity to do so exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” After the Ascension, St. Thomas sailed to India, around the year 50, and established the Church there, spreading the faith until his martyrdom by the spear in December of the year 72. St. Thomas the Apostle, pray for us!