Chapter-18 One of the twelve Apostles of the Lord, St. Thomas, arrives in Tamil Nadu

Saint Thomas was buried in a tomb on the Marina Beach Road in Mylapore, Chennai. A huge Cathedral has been built on this spot. In the museum, attached to the Santhome Cathedral, the spear soaked in the blood of Saint Thomas and the sand with his blood are exhibited in Monstrance. These were taken from the tomb of Saint Thomas and I have personally seen them.

The stone inscription in Nagaripalithu language is given here in English translation

There is an ancient stone inscription in Nagaripalitru ancient language. It is said that this inscription was on the spot where Saint Thomas was murdered. Here below is the translation of the script:

Virgin's son Christ alone was sacrificed for our sins. The Vedas of our country speak about it. Realising this, let us adore Christ, is my prayer. Thoma. People say that Saint Thomas and Thiruvalluvar lived in Mylapore, Chennai 2000 years ago. Thirukkural reflects the teachings of Christ recorded in the Holy Bible. There is also an opinion that Saint Thomas and Valluvar are one and the same person.

Thirukkural

They swim the sea of births, the 'Monarch's' foot who gain; None others reach the shore of being's mighty main - Kural 10.

Meaning : None can swim the great sea of births, but those who are united to the feet of God. - The intension of our very birth on earth is, to get to the feet of God.

To punish wrong, with kindly benefits the doers ply; Thus shame their souls; but pass the ill unheeded by - Kural 314.

Meaning : The (proper) punishment to those who have done evil (to you), is to put them to shame by showing them kindness, in return; and to forget both the evil and the good done on both sides. – When we forgive the sins of others, God will forgive our sins.

Saint Francis Xavier - 1542 A D

Saint Francis Xavier had come to our Tamil Land 500 years ago. He was from a royal family. By the Word of God he had inner transformation and he became a priest. He taught catechism, baptized many and thus converted the people of India. He went about ringing a hand bell on the streets to gather people.

He died at the age of 46.His sacred body in an imperishable state is kept in Goa for the past 500 years. Once in 10 years, the imperishable body of St Xavier is brought down from the elevated altar for special prayers and procession. People from different places - far and wide, come to pray to Saint Francis Xavier.

We, as a family, met Saint Xavier in 1964, 1994 and 2014 and got his blessings. In order to give the state of Sainthood, the Pope asked for the right hand of St. Xavier to be kept in Rome. Presently the right hand of St. Xavier is kept above an altar in Rome opposite to the tomb of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Saint Xavier fills us with all blessings. We shall pray to him and talk to him in person in heaven.

We shall pray for the grace that we will have the opportunity to go to Goa in 2024 to worship the imperishable body of Saint Francis Xavier. Saint Xavier showers a lot of blessings on us from heaven. He prays for us in heaven to the Lord Jesus and the Mother of God.

Saint John De Britto - Arulanandar -1675 A D

By the grace of God, Saint John De Britto came to Tamil Nadu from Portugal, as a priest. He preached the living, divine Word of the Lord to the Tamils. He taught people to live according to the word of the Lord. Practical difficulties arose when the word of the Lord came into daily practical life. The king condemned Arulanandar to death. He was beheaded. The spot where St. Arulanandar's blood was shed even today the sand is found in red colour only. In Ramnad district, at Oriyur a shrine Church has been built, together with a big statue of St. Arulanandar. we will meet him in heaven; We shall chat with him. The ever remaining joy will be ours in the glory of heaven. The Church in Oriyur has been elevated by Pope Francis as a minor Basilica.

Constantine Joseph Beschi - 1711 ADVeeramamunivar

As a priest Veeramamunivar came to Tamil Nadu. Because of immense love for the Tamil people, the Lord sent Beschi to this Tamil Land. Veeramamunivar served in Kamanayakkanpatti, Ayyampettai, Vadugarpettai, Elakurichi near Thanjavur, Aavur, Konankuppam and in a few more places. When Beschi was serving in Elakurichi, by the grace of God, he cured the king Mazhavarayar of his incurable illness. As a token of gratitude the king offered Father Beschi several acres of land to build a church. The stone inscription about this donation is there till this day. A big church was built and the poor of that locality were helped. Veeramamunivar prays for us to the Lord and to Mother Mary in heaven.