Saint Thomas

St Thomas History

Saint Thomas Day, also known as St. Thomas the Apostle's Feast Day, is a Christian celebration honoring Saint Thomas. Saint Thomas was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who played a significant role in establishing Christianity in India.St. Thomas is believed to have arrived in Kerala, India, in 52 AD to spread the message of Christianity. Despite initial opposition and persecution, St. Thomas succeeded in establishing a strong Christian community in India. He was eventually martyred in Chennai in 72 AD.

In New Zealand, St. Thomas Day is primarily celebrated by the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, which has a significant presence in the country. The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church is a branch of the Catholic Church that follows the East Syriac Rite and has its origins in the Church founded by St. Thomas in India. The celebration involves special prayers and masses, and it is an occasion for the community to come together and strengthen their faith.

During the St. Thomas Day celebrations, the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of spreading Christ's message through evangelization, just like St. Thomas did in India. The day promotes the Christian values of love, peace, and unity and is a time for the community to reflect on their faith journey and the challenges they have faced. Saint Thomas Day is observed annually on July 3rd.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 Saint Thomas in NZ

• Although the traditional date for Saint Thomas Day was 21 December, the official liturgical feast is now observed on 3 July, which in New Zealand marks a mid-winter celebration of faith and perseverance.
• For the vibrant Syro-Malabar Catholic community in New Zealand, this day is known as Dukrana and is a major cultural event that commemorates the martyrdom of the apostle who is credited with bringing Christianity to the East.
• Historically, the observance was tied to the English custom of Thomasing or gooding, where the elderly and poor would go door-to-door to collect "alms" in exchange for a blessing, a practice that echoes the saint's role as a patron of the poor and the aged.
• Because the historical date of the feast falls on the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, it aligns with the Māori legend of Māui and the Sun, where the demigod slowed the sun to ensure longer days for human activity and reflection.
• In religious art and tradition, Saint Thomas is frequently depicted holding a builder’s square, as he is the patron saint of architects and builders according to the 13th-century hagiographical work The Golden Legend.
• Some New Zealand parishes utilize the day to host the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, a service that connects the apostle’s eventual belief in the resurrection to the broader story of the nativity and Christian hope.
• The "Doubting Thomas" narrative is often explored during this observance to encourage a culture of intellectual inquiry and the idea that questioning can lead to a more profound and certain faith within the modern secular context of New Zealand.
• During this winter observance, some families in New Zealand adopt the European tradition of baking a St. Thomas’s Kletzenbrot, a heavy fruit bread that serves as a hearty seasonal treat during the coldest months of the year.

In the News and Trending in NZ for Saint Thomas

Top things to do in NZ 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 the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This historic site is home to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, which marked the beginning of New Zealand as a nation. The grounds are also home to a museum, cultural performances, and traditional Maori experiences.
• Explore the Bay of Islands, a beautiful region that is home to over 140 subtropical islands and secluded beaches. Take a boat tour to explore the area, go hiking, or try out some water sports like snorkeling or kayaking.