Saint Thomas

St Thomas History

Saint Thomas Day is an observance dedicated to celebrating the life and achievements of Saint Thomas the Apostle, who is revered in Christianity for his role as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Known for his devotion and loyalty to Jesus, it is said that Saint Thomas spread the Christian faith to regions such as Persia, Ethiopia, and India. The Observance of Saint Thomas Day seeks to pay tribute to this influential figure in the Christian faith, highlighting his unwavering faith, determination, and mission to spread the gospel.

The history of Saint Thomas Day dates back to ancient Christian tradition, when the feast day was established within the liturgical calendar. For Canadians of various Christian denominations, this observance is an opportunity not only to reflect on Saint Thomas's legacy with appreciation, respect, and admiration but also to enhance their understanding of the faith's long and intricate history. Saint Thomas's willingness to travel far and wide to share his beliefs serves as a reminder for Canadians to cherish and uphold the values of diversity, tolerance, and faith in their own lives and communities.

Canadian Christians mark Saint Thomas Day by attending special church services, where prayers and hymns in honour of Saint Thomas are a focal point. Some communities may also hold related events, such as educational talks or forums discussing the life and contributions of Saint Thomas to the Christian faith. These gatherings foster a sense of unity and offer valuable insights for those seeking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of this significant religious figure. Saint Thomas Day is observed annually on July 3rd.

Top 7 Facts for 2026 Saint Thomas in Canada

• In parts of Canada, the traditional observance on December 21 is celebrated as pie day, a custom where families bake large batches of spiced meat pies, such as the classic tourtière or pâté de noël, to be frozen and later enjoyed during the feast of the Epiphany.
• For the significant Indian-Canadian community, the July 3 feast is recognized as Indian Christians Day, honoring the tradition that the apostle first brought Christianity to India in 52 AD.
• The cultural idiom of a doubting Thomas originates from this saint’s initial skepticism regarding the Resurrection, a scene immortalized in the world-famous oil painting The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Caravaggio.
• Within the city of Toronto, St. Thomas’s Anglican Church on Huron Street is colloquially known as Smoky Tom’s due to its historical and persistent use of large quantities of incense during high-church Anglo-Catholic liturgies.
• Folk wisdom in the Northern Hemisphere suggests that winter takes its full power on the December date of this observance, which aligns with the winter solstice and the traditional English rhyme, St. Thomas day, St. Thomas gray, the longest night and shortest day.
• Historical customs associated with the day include the practice of Thomasing or mumping, where the elderly and impoverished would go door-to-door to collect small doles of money or food to ensure they had the means to celebrate the upcoming Christmas festival.
• Because of his biblical background as a builder, Saint Thomas is officially recognized as the patron saint of architects and masons, often depicted in religious iconography holding a carpenter's square or a spear.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Saint Thomas

Top things to do in Canada for Saint Thomas Day

• Read writings by St. Thomas. Several early church documents bearing Thomas' name are popular, including the Gospel of Thomas, which is a collection of Jesus' sayings. Other texts include the Acts of Thomas and the Infancy Gospel of Thomas. None of these texts were included in the Bible.
• Thousands of Indians claim to be descendants of the Christians that Thomas helped to convert. Join them on a pilgrimage in Paylador to the traditional spot of Thomas' tomb, Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral of the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Trichur (Kerala, India).
• Visit historic sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal or the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa.
• Canada has many beautiful beaches, so consider spending a day soaking up the sun and enjoying water activities.