St Thomas Patron of India
St Thomas Patron of India
The Kerala tradition links St Thomas with certain families and foundation of churches. The area had trade links with Jews, Arabs, Babylonians, Assyrians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Chinese and Romans that went back to a time before the birth of Jesus Christ. Pepper, known as black gold was the main commodity exported from Kerala with representation of the communities mentioned living in Kerala to help with the trade. It is said that St Thomas preached among his own people and established Christian communities. Many other Jewish colonies in Kerala later converted to Christianity as it made progress in the region through its influence on those involved with the trade.
We pray for our parishioners who originate from Kerala and celebrate with them the feast of St Thomas their patron on the 3rd July.