From the Desk of Father Nathan

A Message from Father Nathan

My dearest people closest to my heart!

God bless you and your generous heart

Basilica’s

St. Peter’s Basilica

There are a few basilicas (churches granted special designation by the Pope) associated with the apostles. Let me share some information about them. St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City: The magnificent church designed by architects Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno, stands on the site where St. Peter, one of Jesus’s apostles and the first Bishop of Rome, is believed to be buried.

The present basilica was completed in 1626 and is a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance architecture. It is the largest church in the world by interior measure.

The Basilica of St. John

The Basilica of St. John in Ephesus: Constructed by Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, this basilica was built where John the Apostle was said to be buried. It was modeled after the now-demolished Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople.

St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica & the Story of St Thomas

St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica in Chennai India: Also known as San Thome Church, it dates back to 1523 AD and was built by the Portuguese over the tomb of Thomas the Apostle.

Only 3 Churches are built above an Apostle’s tomb

It’s one of only three churches worldwide constructed directly above an apostle’s tomb, the other are the St. Peter’s Basilica and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain.

St. Thomas was born in Galilee Isreal circa the 1st century. When he first heard of Jesus’ resurrection, he questioned it, earning him the nickname “Doubting Thomas.” As cited in John 20:28, he later proclaimed Jesus as “MY Lord and my God” upon his resurrection. He spent the following years traveling and spreading the gospel.

St. Thomas died December 21 72 AD in Mylapore, India. He was a dedicated but impetuous follower of Christ. When Jesus said He was returning to Judea to visit his sick friend, Lazarus, Thomas immediately exhorted the other Apostles to accompany him on the trip which involved certain danger and possible death because of the mounting hostility of the authorities.

At the Last Supper, when Christ told His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them to which they also might come because they knew both the place and the way, Thomas pleaded that they did not understand and received the beautiful assurance that Christ is 

the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

St. Thomas was best known for his role in verifying the Resurrection of his Master. Thomas’ unwillingness to believe that the other Apostles had seen their risen Lord on the first Easter Sunday earned him the title of “doubting Thomas”.

Eight days later on Christ’s second apparition, Thomas was gently rebuked for his skepticism and furnished with the evidence he had demanded seeing in Christ’s hand the point of the nails. Thomas even put his fingers in the nail holes and his hand into Christ’s side. After verifying the wounds were true, St. Thomas became convinced of the reality of the Resurrection and exclaimed, “My Lord and My God,” thus making a public Profession of Faith in the Divinity of Jesus.

With lots of love and blessings,

Ever wanting to be faithful to your service,

— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan