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Finding of the body of Saint Thomas in India
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Finding of the body of Saint Thomas in India
The Portuguese in India find the body of Saint Thomas at Meliapur (near Madras) and take it to Goa
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Media ID 571944
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1520s 1521 Body Catholicism Disciple Disciples Doubt Fin D Finding Madras Portugal Portuguese Relics Doubting
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the historic moment when the Portuguese explorer Francisco de Almeida, the first viceroy of Portuguese India, discovered the long-lost remains of Saint Thomas the Apostle in Meliapur, near Madras, India, in 1521. According to tradition, Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, had preached in India during the 1st century AD before being martyred. His relics had been lost to history for over a thousand years. The Portuguese, who had arrived in India in the late 15th century, were deeply devoted to Saint Thomas and believed that finding his remains would strengthen their presence in the region and bolster their Catholic missionary efforts. Almeida, leading an expedition to search for the saint's tomb, was guided by local tradition and the testimony of a Syrian Christian priest. Upon the discovery of the tomb, the Portuguese were filled with awe and reverence. The body was found lying on a bed of sandalwood, surrounded by precious stones and gold. The Portuguese carefully transported the remains to Goa, the capital of Portuguese India, where they were enshrined in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This significant event marked the beginning of a new era in the history of Catholicism in India. The relics of Saint Thomas became a symbol of the deep connection between India and Portugal, and the saint's shrine in Goa remains a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics around the world to this day. Despite the passage of time and the many challenges faced by the Portuguese in their quest for religious and territorial dominance in India, the story of Saint Thomas' discovery continues to inspire and captivate, serving as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the human spirit.
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