Category:Relics of Thomas (subject)

According to Christian traditions, Relics of Thomas are preserved in the San Thome Basilica in Mylapore [India], and in the Cathedral of Ortona [Italy].

Overview

The legend says that Thomas came to India in 52 CE, was martyred in 72 at St. Thomas Mount in the City and was interred in Mylapore.

Marco Polo visited the tomb in 1292.

The San Thome Basilica

The San Thome Basilica was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers over the site where the Apostle Thomas was believed originally to be interred. The Basilica was rebuilt again in Neo-Gothic style with the status of a cathedral by the British in 1893.

The San Thome Basilica is the major pilgrimage centre for Christians in India.

The Basilica of San Thome at Madras, India
The nave of the Basilica
Exterior of the Basilica

The Edessa-Chios-Ortona Tradition

The relics of Thomas are said to have been brought on July 3, 232 from Mylapore to Edessa [Turkey]. There they remained until they were translated around the 12th century to Chios [Greece] and from there later to Ortona [Abruzzi, Italy], where they arrived on 6 September 1258, booty taken by captain Leone degli Acciaioli when the island of Chios was sacked. Ever since the remains of Thomas have been preserved in the Ortona Cathedral.

On December 20, 1943, during World War II, the Cathedral at Ortona was detonated by the German army. The relics survived unharmed, the Cathedral was later rebuilt and reconsecrated on September 5, 1949.

Today, the remains of St. Thomas are kept in the crypt of the Cathedral under the altar, while the head of the Apostle is contained in a silver bust reliquary on the altar of the St Thomas Chapel.