Saint Thomas the Apostle
Feast Day: July 3
Why We Celebrate
St. Thomas was one of the Twelve Apostles chosen personally by Jesus. Although he is often remembered as "Doubting Thomas," Scripture reveals a man of remarkable courage and honesty. When the other disciples told him they had seen the risen Christ, Thomas replied:
"Unless I see the mark of the nails in His hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." (John 20:25)
Eight days later, Jesus appeared again and invited Thomas to touch His wounds. Rather than rebuking him, Jesus lovingly met Thomas where he was. In response, Thomas made one of the clearest professions of Christ's divinity found in the Gospels:
"My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)
This confession is why the Church honors St. Thomas—not because he doubted, but because his encounter with the Risen Christ transformed him into a courageous witness.
His feast reminds us that faith is not the absence of questions—it is choosing to trust Jesus when He reveals Himself.
Since When?
The Church has honored St. Thomas since the earliest centuries of Christianity.
For many centuries in the Roman Rite, his feast was celebrated on December 21. Following the revision of the General Roman Calendar in 1969, it was moved to July 3.
Today, Catholics around the world celebrate his witness as one of the original Apostles and as a model of honest faith that grows through an encounter with Christ.
How Can We Celebrate?
Read John 20:24–29 and reflect on Christ's mercy toward Thomas.
Attend Mass*
Spend time in Eucharistic Adoration
Pray before receiving Holy Communion or during Adoration: "My Lord and my God."
Share your faith story with someone. Thomas encountered Christ personally and then proclaimed Him boldly to the world.
Bring your doubts honestly to prayer.
A Reflection
St. Thomas teaches us that God is not intimidated by our questions. Jesus did not reject Thomas for struggling to believe; instead, He invited him to come closer and encounter His wounds. Every disciple experiences moments of uncertainty, but those moments can become opportunities for a deeper relationship with Christ. When we seek Him sincerely, our doubts can become doorways to a stronger and more confident faith.
“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”