St. Thomas the Apostle – Patron Saint of Architects

St. Thomas the Apostle Biography

St. Thomas the Apostle, also known as Thomas the Doubter, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He is known for his initial doubts about the resurrection of Jesus and for his later devotion to spreading the Gospel. He is remembered as an important figure in early Christianity and one of the greatest saints in the Catholic Church.

According to the New Testament, Thomas was born in Galilee and was a fisherman before becoming one of Jesus’ disciples. He is often referred to as “Didymus” which means “Twin” in Greek, but there is no information about who his twin brother was. He was present at many of the key moments in Jesus’ life, including the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection.

After the resurrection of Jesus, Thomas was one of the apostles who doubted the news of the resurrection. Jesus appeared to the apostles, and upon seeing Jesus, Thomas declared “My Lord and my God!” showing his faith in Jesus as the Messiah and son of God.

Thomas is considered to have a strong spiritual and religious nature, this and his determination led him to travel far and wide to spread the message of Jesus, he preached in many places like Mesopotamia, Persia, Parthia, and India. He is believed to have died as a martyr in India, where he is venerated as one of the patrons of the Syrian Christians in India, and his feast day is celebrated on July 3rd.

According to tradition, Thomas is said to have established the church in India and is known as “Apostle of India.” He is believed to have preached in various parts of India, and established Christian communities in Malabar, South India. There are several churches dedicated to him in India, one of the most famous is the St. Thomas Church located in the city of Chennai.

Thomas is remembered for his strong and determined nature and for his strong faith in God, his devotion to Jesus is widely celebrated and he is venerated as a saint by the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican church. He is the patron saint of architects, builders, and stone masons.

St. Thomas’ writings were not included in the New Testament canon, but several apocryphal texts, such as the Acts of Thomas and the Gospel of Thomas, have been attributed to him and are considered important early Christian texts. These texts provide valuable insights into the early Christian communities and their beliefs.

In art, St. Thomas is often depicted with the image of a builder, holding a carpenter’s square, a sign of his reputation as patron of builders and architects. He’s also depicted holding the spear that was used to pierce Jesus’ side during the crucifixion, symbolizing his doubts and later conviction about the resurrection.

In conclusion, St. Thomas the Apostle is remembered as an important figure in early Christianity, known for his initial doubts and later conviction about the resurrection of Jesus, and his devoted work spreading the Gospel in various places. His legacy and devotion are celebrated throughout the world and in many different Christian communities, and his teachings and example continue to inspire many people today.

The Life of St. Thomas the Apostle

St. Thomas the Apostle is the Patron Saint of Architects and Builder. St. Thomas was one of the chosen Twelve, otherwise called Didymus (twin). His name occurs in all of the Gospels, but in St. John’s Gospel he plays a prominent role. When Jesus announced His intention of returning to Judea to visit Lazarus, it was Thomas who said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him”. (John 11:16.)

It was St. Thomas who raised an objection during the Master’s discourse before the Last Supper: “Thomas said to Him: Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way?” (John 15:5.) St. Thomas is especially remembered for his incredulity when the other Apostles told him of Christ’s appearance to them after His Resurrection: “Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into His side, I will not believe”. (John 20:25.)

St. Thomas’ Doubts

Eight days later when he was invited by the Savior to inspect for himself the marks of the Five Wounds in the Body of Jesus it the opinion of the Fathers of the Church that St. Thomas rendered invaluable service to Christianity. Kneeling, he cried, “My Lord and my God”. Jesus kindly rebuked him, saying: “Because thou hast seen Me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed”. (John 20:29.)

After the Ascension, St. Thomas went forth into the world to preach the Gospel of Christ Jesus to the Parthians, Medes, Persians, and the inhabitants of other provinces of Persia, close to the Caspian sea. Finally, he entered India, where he instructed the people in the Christian religion. In the end, his life and teaching and the greatness of his numerous miracles, which won the hearts of the people, caused violent anger amongst the priests of the idols. In consequence, St. Thomas was condemned to death and pierced with arrows, thus meriting the crown of the apostolate and of martyrdom at Calamina.

Spreading the Good News through Architecture and Building

Through this example of service to others and the miracles performed in the name of Jesus, the family of the King and the Court of Gondophernes converted to Christianity. They realized that St. Thomas not only built a beautiful palace for them in India, but more importantly was designing and building a beautiful heavenly dwelling through the salvation of God. This is why St. Thomas is the patron saint of architects and builders. You may also be interested in learning about the life of St. Vincent Ferrer the patron saint of construction workers.

St. Thomas the Apostle, patron saint of architects and builders, pray for us!

Popular St. Thomas the Apostle Medal and St. Thomas the Apostle Rosary

St. Thomas the Apostle – Patron Saint of Architects

Today, the Catholic Church regards St. Thomas the Apostle as the patron saint of architects and builders. As a builder himself by trade, St. Thomas the Apostle is a holy example for all construction workers and architects.

Why is St. Thomas the Patron Saint of Architects?

Saint Thomas is the patron saint of architects because of his association with building and construction. According to tradition, he was a skilled carpenter and builder, and he is said to have built Christian churches and other structures in the Middle East and India. Once, the King of India sent a delegation to Jerusalem in search of a skilled architect and builder to design and construct a new palace. Saint Thomas recognized this request as an opportunity to spread the Good News to India. Saint Thomas skillfully designed and oversaw the construction of a new beautiful palace for the King.

The King was so pleased with the work he called for St. Thomas to appear before him so as to personally pay Thomas for his work. When he received this payment, Thomas immediately gave the money to the poor and the sick which angered the King and he had Thomas imprisoned. While in prison, the King’s brother visited Thomas and was immediately healed of a deadly illness.

Popular Patron Saint of Architects Rosary and Patron Saint of Architects Medal

Prayers to St. Thomas the Apostle

  Prayer to St. Thomas the Apostle

Almighty and ever living God, who didst strengthen thine apostle Thomas with sure and certain faith in thy Son’s resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in thy sight; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

---

Prayer for the Intercession of St. Thomas the Apostle

Lord Jesus, St. Thomas doubted Your resurrection until he touched Your wounds. After Pentecost, You called him to become a missionary in India, but he doubted again and said no. He changed his mind only after being taken into slavery by a merchant who happened to be going to India. Once he was cured of his doubt, You freed him and he began the work You had called him to do. As the patron saint against doubt, I ask him to pray for me when I question the direction in which You are leading me. Forgive me for mistrusting You, Lord, and help me to grow from the experience. Saint Thomas, pray for me. Amen.

---

Prayer to Saint Thomas the Apostle

You were once slow in believing that Christ had gloriously risen; but later, because you had seen him, you exclaimed: “My Lord and my God!”

According to an ancient story, you rendered most powerful assistance for constructing a church in a place where pagan priests opposed it.

Please bless architects, builders and carpenters that through them the Lord may be honored.

Amen.

Prayers to St. Thomas the Apostle

Dear St. Thomas,

You were known as the doubter, but through your faith and belief in the Lord, you became one of the greatest apostles. Teach us to have the courage and determination to always question and seek truth, and to never lose faith in the love of our Lord.

We ask for your intercession and guidance as we strive to live our lives in the example of Jesus. Help us to be strong in our beliefs, to never waiver in the face of adversity, and to always stand up for what is right and just.

We pray for the grace and strength to follow in your footsteps, to be steadfast in our faith, and to always be witnesses to the love of our Lord.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Dear St. Thomas,

You were blessed to have seen the risen Lord and to have touched His wounds. Teach us to have the same deep faith and trust in Jesus, to never doubt His love for us, and to always be open to His presence in our lives.

We ask for your intercession as we navigate the challenges and obstacles in our lives. Help us to have the courage to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, to always seek His truth and guidance, and to never be afraid to stand up for our faith.

We pray for the grace to see the world through the eyes of Jesus, to always be guided by His love and compassion, and to never lose sight of the hope and joy that come from following Him.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Thomas the Apostle, Patron Saint of Architects and Builders

St. Thomas the Apostle is venerated as the patron saint of architects and builders. This designation is based on the story of St. Thomas’s life as a disciple of Jesus Christ, who is said to have doubted the resurrection of Jesus until he was able to touch the wounds in Jesus’ hands and side.

As an apostle, St. Thomas was known for his unwavering faith and dedication to spreading the word of God. This made him a symbol of steadfastness and determination for those in the building trades, who often face challenges and obstacles in their work.

St. Thomas’s association with architects and builders is also connected to his reputation as a skilled craftsman. According to tradition, he was skilled in carpentry and was said to have built Christian churches and other structures in the Middle East and India.

In addition to his patronage of architects and builders, St. Thomas is also revered as the patron saint of India and is remembered for his missionary work in that country. He is celebrated on July 3rd, and his feast day is celebrated with processions, special prayers, and other devotions in many Catholic communities around the world.

Overall, St. Thomas the Apostle serves as a powerful symbol of faith, determination, and skill for those in the building trades, and continues to inspire and encourage those who follow in his footsteps.”

Reflection on the Feast Day of St. Thomas the Apostle

The feast day of St. Thomas the Apostle, also known as “Doubting Thomas,” is celebrated on July 3rd in the Western Church and on October 6th in the Eastern Church.

St. Thomas is best known for his doubt in the resurrection of Jesus, as recorded in the Bible. Despite being present when Jesus appeared to the other disciples, Thomas refused to believe that Jesus had risen until he saw the wounds in Jesus’ hands and side. Jesus appeared to Thomas and said “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” (John 20:27)

As we celebrate the feast day of St. Thomas, we are reminded of the importance of faith and belief in our lives. St. Thomas’ doubt and skepticism may seem negative, but it actually shows us that it is okay to question and seek proof. It is not a sin to doubt or question, but it is important to follow that doubt with an open and willing heart, ready to receive the grace of God.

St. Thomas’ story also teaches us about the power of personal encounter with Jesus. Thomas’ doubt was transformed into faith and conviction when he encountered the risen Lord. It reminds us that our faith is not only based on hearsay, but also on our personal experience of God’s presence in our lives. This encounter can happen in many ways, through prayer, through sacraments, through the witness of others, and through the work of the Holy Spirit.

St. Thomas is also known as the patron saint of architects, builders, and surveyors. He remind us that faith is not only a matter of the heart, but also a matter of the mind. He encourages us to use our intellect and reason to understand and appreciate the beauty and mystery of God’s creation and our faith.

In conclusion, let us reflect on the example of St. Thomas and strive to be open and willing to seek and encounter Jesus in our lives. Let us remember that it is okay to question and doubt, but it is important to follow that doubt with an open and willing heart. Let us be reminded that faith is not only a matter of the heart, but also a matter of the mind, and let us use our intellect and reason to understand and appreciate the beauty and mystery of our faith.

Discover biographies, prayers, and reflections for more than 400 Catholic Saints

Saints Similar to St. Thomas the Apostle

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Thomas More and the Biography of St. Thomas Aquinas and the Biography of St. Thomas A Becket. These saints share the name Thomas. St. Thomas the Apostle and St. Thomas A Becket were both martyrs for their faith. St. Thomas Aquinas was a renowned theologian. Next up: Biography of St. Timothy

 

Also check out our handmade St. Thomas the Apostle Medal and St. Thomas the Apostle Rosary and St. Thomas the Apostle Rosary Bracelet .