The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is issuing a special postage stamp in commemoration of Saint Thomas, one of the Twelve Apostles of Christ, on the 2nd December 1964, which coincides with the arrival of His Holiness Pope Paul VI in India. A completely authentic historical account of life of St. Thomas Didymus, one of the Twelve Apostles of Christ, introduced Christianity into India.

Experts generally agree that he took the northwestern route to India and arrived about 52 A.D. He then proceeded to the southern coast and preached the Christian faith among the people of South India. There are some ancient monuments in Southern India, which are connected with St. Thomas. Chief among these are the St. Thomas Mount where, it is said, he met his death and the San Thome Cathedral at Madras, which has been reacted on the spot where he was buried. The stamp is being issued in honour of St. Thomas is in the denomination of 15 Paise and carries a picture of his silver bust which is in the Ortona Cathedral in Italy.

The P & T Department is happy to issue the St. Thomas stamp on the occasion of the first visit of His Holiness Pope Paul VI to India to attend the 38th International Eucharistic Congress, which is being convened at Bombay. SAN THOME CATHEDRAL, MYLAPORE MADRAS

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India