Saint Thomas, Apostle

Saint Thomas the Apostle, also called Didymus, “the Twin,” was born in the land of Israel, though the details of his early life are not known. Chosen by Jesus as one of the Twelve, Thomas appears in the Gospel of John with a courageous, searching heart: ready to go with Christ even unto death, yet honest enough to ask, “How can we know the way?” After the Resurrection, he famously struggled to believe the other disciples’ witness until the Lord invited him to touch His wounds. In that moment Thomas made one of Scripture’s clearest confessions of faith: “My Lord and my God,” becoming for the Church a sign that Christ meets sincere doubt with mercy and truth. Ancient Christian tradition remembers Thomas as a tireless missionary beyond the Roman Empire, preaching in Mesopotamia and journeying as far as southern India, where he is honored as a founding evangelist and martyr. He is venerated as patron of several towns, including Albignasego and Barrea. His feast day is October 6.

Saint Mustiola (201–300) is honored in the Church as a witness of steadfast faith from the early centuries of Christianity. Though little is known of her birthplace or daily life, her memory has been lovingly preserved by the communities that have long invoked her intercession. Venerated as a saint, she is especially cherished as a patron of Chiusi and Scavolino, where devotion to her continues to unite the faithful in prayer and hope. Saint Mustiola’s feast is kept on July 3, inviting believers to remember that holiness is not measured by how much is recorded about a life, but by the enduring light it leaves in the Church. Her quiet legacy encourages trust in God and perseverance in faith.