Saint Thomas the Apostle

3 July

Saint Thomas the Apostle is known as the doubter. His name means “Twin” in Syriac, and “Didymus” in Greek.
We know almost nothing about the life of this Apostle. We do know that he was a Jew and that he grew up in a simple family in one of the villages of Galilee. He was likely a fisherman, and there is no clue as to how he was called to be one of the Twelve. His name is mentioned as one of the Apostles in the Synoptic Gospels (the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark and Luke), while his personality stands out when Thomas is mentioned in the Gospel according to John. In this Gospel, we find words that came from the mouth of Thomas himself in three different situations, more than most of the other Apostles.  

Thomas stands out as a faithful Apostle of Jesus (John 11:16). When Jesus was going back to Judea to visit Lazarus, the Apostles were uncertain because if he went back, it could be a threat to Jesus’ life due to the aggression of the authorities. It was Thomas who encouraged the other Apostles to accompany Jesus and if necessary, die with him! It was during the Last Supper (John 14: 1-5) that Thomas, like a curious student, confessed that he did not understand where Jesus was going to prepare a place for them. Thomas received a significant declaration from Jesus himself where he stated that ‘He is the Way, the Truth and the Life’.

After the Resurrection of Jesus, Thomas appears as the Apostle who changed from a doubter to an Apostle who made a great statement in the Divinity of Jesus. (John 20:24-31) Thomas did not want to accept what the other Apostles who had seen the risen Lord told him; he said that he would only believe if he himself saw the marks of the Passion. Jesus gave him this opportunity when he appeared to the Apostles a week later where from the mouth of St. Thomas came the declaration “My Lord and my God,” Jesus continued by saying to him, “You believed because you saw me: blessed are those who have not seen and have believed!”
What we know about St. Thomas after Pentecost is based on Tradition. It is understood that the Apostles agreed on which countries they would go to evangelize.  Thomas was sent to spread the Good News in Parthia, Media and Persia and he continued his journey until he reached India, arriving at the Malabar Coast.

Saint Thomas suffered martyrdom, struck by a lance, and was buried in Mylapore, India. Later, his remains were taken to Ortona, Italy.

After watching the video or reading about the life of Saint Thomas from the Bible, discuss what you have read with the children. 

How would you feel if you were in these two situations where Jesus appeared to the Apostles? If you were Thomas, what would you do and what would you feel? Who was Jesus talking about when he said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed”? Tell them that Jesus was speaking for us! We have never seen Jesus, but we still believe that he exists and that he loves us!

With older children, you can talk about the connection between believing and trusting. Not only in the context of religious matters but also about culture, politics and science. Take this opportunity to give them your full attention, listen closely, and guide them to discover the answers together.

Family Prayer Time

  • dedicate time to prayer to make a statement of Faith
  • tell the children to light a candle
  • hold each other’s hands and say the Creed.

For young children you can use a simpler version.

Encourage children to say this prayer: “My Lord and my God, I love and adore you” during the consecration at Mass as a statement of Faith in the Eucharist. We celebrate the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Host and in the Wine as they are elevated by the Priest to express our Faith and Adoration.  

Colouring pageDownload

How to use this space

God speaks to us in many ways, including through the Saints of the Church. Here you will find useful background and activities to better understand the holy life, helping you to connect the saints to daily life in a meaningful way.