Saint Tomas the Apostle

Saint Thomas, also known as “Doubting Thomas” or “the Twin” for his reflective nature, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. In Christian tradition, he is famous for his hesitation to believe in Jesus’ resurrection until he had tangible proof. His testimony of the presence of the risen Jesus and the famous phrase “My Lord and my God” made him one of the most iconic witnesses of the Christian faith.

After the death of Jesus, Saint Thomas dedicated himself to preaching the Gospel in various regions, even reaching India where he is considered the founder of the Christian Church of Malabar. His testimony of faith led him to be venerated as a martyr, for the courage and devotion with which he defended and spread the Gospel message.

The feast of Saint Thomas is a special occasion for believers to celebrate and remember the important role of this apostle in the spread of the faith. The hand-carved statue of Saint Thomas in Pula, Croatia, represents a tangible symbol of the spirituality and devotion associated with this significant saint of the Catholic Church.

On July 3rd, the feast of Saint Thomas, the patron saint of the city of Pula in Croatia, was celebrated. The statue of Saint Thomas was hand-carved and painted entirely in the workshop of Ferdinand Stuflesser 1875. From the beginning, this statue has inspired both the sculptors and the faithful of the city. After the completion of the wooden statue, it was shipped to Croatia where it was received with a celebration and an inauguration and blessing procession.