Saint Thomas the Apostle

Thomas, called Didymus or "the Twin," was one of the Twelve. He bravely told the others to go with Jesus to Bethany "that we may die with him," and after the Resurrection he refused to believe until he could touch the Lord's wounds, then made the great confession, "My Lord and my God!" According to ancient tradition he carried the Gospel as far as India, where he was martyred near Chennai (Mylapore). For centuries his feast was kept on December 21; since the 1969 calendar reform the universal Church celebrates him on July 3, but December 21 remains his traditional date and is still kept in some places.

His tomb is venerated at the San Thome Basilica in Chennai, and relics are kept in Ortona, Italy. The "St. Thomas Christians" of India trace their faith to his preaching.