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Know our Apostle 1

My dear brothers and sisters in Jesus,
 
As we are approaching the solemn feast of St Thomas the Apostle – Dukhrana – let us spend a few minutes to know our Apostle bettter. Know him more and you will love him more!
 
St Thomas the Apostle sailed to India and reached the ancient port of Muzuris (present day Kodungalloor) in the state of Kerala in 52 A.D.
 
The Kodungalloor port became extinct in 1341 A.D.
 
St Thomas came in the company of Jewish merchants to spread faith among Jews as there were jewish diaspora (coloniies) in Kerala. From Kodungalloor, he went to Palayoor (close to Guruvayoor).
 
Then he travelled farther south and established eventually Ezharappallikal i.e., more than seven Christian communities:
Kodungalloor, Kollam, Niranam, Nilackal (Chayal), Kokkamangalam, Kottakkayal (Paravoor), Palayoor(Chattukulangara) and Thiruvithancode Arappalli (the half Church).
 
The most direct route to India from the West in the first century was, via Alexandria and the Red Sea taking advantage of the Monsoon winds.
 
St Thomas was pierced to death in 72 A.D. at St Thomas Mount in Chennai and was buried on the site of San Thome Cathedral where some of his relics are still preseved.
 
In 232 most of his relics were given by an Indian King (Vasudeva) to a merchat (Khabin) from Edessa, Mesopotamia.
 
On Sept.6, 1258 the relics from Edessa were transported to the West and now rest in Ortona, Italy.
 
Jews from very early times had trade contact with Kerala for spices, diamonds,jewels, and pearls.
 
For all the diamonds, pearls and jewels they took for years, we are more than re-paid when Thomas the Apostle gifted us the greatest of all pearls and diamonds – Jesus Christ, our Saviour!
 
Thank you Thomas for giving us Jesus!
 
May God bless you all!    Fr John Kudiyiruppil

” Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching. ” — Hebrews 10:25

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