Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle (Roman Catholic Observance)
The Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle is observed by Roman Catholics on July 3, commemorating St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles known for his initial skepticism about the resurrection of Jesus, often referred to as "Doubting Thomas." This feast day was established following a 20th-century reform of the Roman Catholic calendar, which relocated the observance from December 21 to prevent it from conflicting with the Advent season. In contrast, Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate St. Thomas on October 6, and in some traditions, also on October 19, aligning with the Julian calendar. Other Christian denominations, including Anglicans, Episcopalians, and Lutherans, continue to honor St. Thomas on the traditional date of December 21. The observance highlights St. Thomas's role in the early church and serves as a reflection on faith and doubt. The feast is an opportunity for the faithful to engage in prayer and reflection on the significance of St. Thomas's life and contributions to Christianity.
Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle (Roman Catholic Observance)
Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle (Roman Catholic Observance)
Roman Catholics honor St. Thomas, the original “Doubting Thomas” and one of the 12 Apostles of Christ, on July 3—the reputed date of the transfer of his relics—following a reform of the Roman Catholic calendar in the 20th century. The Catholic Church moved the feast from December 21 in order to free the Advent season from interruption by other observances. Eastern Orthodox Christians venerate St. Thomas on October 6, and sometimes 13 days later where the old Julian calendar is still used. Still other Christians who mark the occasion, notably Anglicans, Episcopalians, and Lutherans, commemorate St. Thomas on December 21.