San Thome Church, Chennai - a photo on Flickriver

             
In the whole world, there are only three churches built over the tomb of an Apostle of Jesus Christ - the Basilica of Saint Peter built over the tomb of St.Peter in Rome, Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela built over the tomb of St.James in Spain and Basilica of the National Shrine of St.Thomas built over the tomb of St.Thomas. Basilica of the National Shrine of St.Thomas is in Chennai, India.

According to tradition catholics believe that Christianity was first introduced into India by St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ.

After the Death and Resurrection of Christ, Thomas became acquainted with Habban, a merchant from India. Habban used to visit Egypt, Mesopotamia, Syria and other countries in the Middle East on his master, King Gondophare''s business. It was in the company of this merchant that Thomas made the trip from Palestine, via the Island of Socotra, and, in 52 A.D., landed at Cranganore on the

Malabar Coast of present-day Kerala. After building seven churches on this coast, under the benign patronage of the Hindu Kings of the time, Thomas crossed the Coromandel Coast of India's eastern seaboard. Vincent Smith, the historian, has stated that there was nothing incredible in the traditional belief that St. Thomas did come to South India.

Madras and its suburbs are closely associated with St. Thomas. At Little Mount (Chinnamlai in Tamil) he is believed to have lived for some years in a cave which can still be seen. At St. Thomas Mount he was pierced to death with a lance in 72 A.D. At San Thome in Mylapore, a magnificent Cathedral stands over the place where he was buried. This Church, which is dedicated to him and is popularly known as San Thome Cathedral, overlooks the Bay of Bengal, being situated on the sea-front of the historic city of Madras.

Taken on: February 20, 2009

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