ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE (DEC. 21ST)
St. Thomas the Apostle By Bp. Joseph ( Ancient Church of the West ) Today, in the West, we celebrate the life and work of St. Thomas the Apostle to India - Although he is remembered with the negative descriptor, "The Doubter," St. Thomas had been the source of many inspiring hagiographies and legends over the last two thousand years. Known for miracles and philosophical depth in the rediscovered "Gospel of Thomas," and in the eastern myths, such as the "Mar Thoma Kali Margum," that extol him as the founder of the Asian Church, St. Thomas' apostolic influence continues to increase in the West. St. Thomas sailed to India in 50AD, converting many to Christ by word and deed along the way. Once he arrived, he established Seven Churches in South India, in Kerala and the surrounding country. He is said to have sent missionaries to the Northern Asian countries from here, oncluding the other apostle, St. Bartholomew. Thomas was martyred in India, venerated by...
