“In gratitude to God for saving Santhome from Tsunami 2004”. Those words are inscribed at the base of the St. Thomas Pole. We are standing before the St. Thomas Pole, a simple wooden post with a story that stretches back centuries.
The St. Thomas Pole stands on the seashore near the Santhome Basilica. It appears humble. It is surrounded by garbage. Yet it holds a tale of faith and resilience.
Legend says St. Thomas arrived in India in 52 AD. He used his girdle to move a large log blocking a river. He fashioned a post from the log. He planted it declaring the sea would never cross it. This post became known as the St. Thomas Pole.
In 1635 Santhome was a fortified city. It had three bulwarks and four gates. The sea slowly eroded the eastern walls. The fort was captured and demolished over time. The old flag-staff or St. Thomas Pole remained.
The church believes the St. Thomas Pole miraculously saved the Basilica. It protected Santhome from the 2004 tsunami waters. Parish priest Fr. Lawrence Raj made this claim after the disaster.
However not everyone agrees. Michael Prabhu lived near the Cathedral for 19 years. He remembers the weather-worn wooden pole. He states that it had no known historic significance. He also says it was never associated with St. Thomas.
Despite differing opinions the St. Thomas Pole remains. It stands as a symbol of faith. It also stands as a reminder of the city’s history.
The story of St. Thomas in India is rich. Tradition says he arrived on the Malabar Coast in 52 AD. He converted Brahmin families. He founded seven churches. He later traveled to the Coromandel Coast. He died a martyr’s death in Mylapore. His tomb is venerated even today.
The tradition of St. Thomas connects two coasts. He preached in Kerala and Coromandel. Some believe the eastern community migrated west. They united with the community in Kerala.
Whether the St. Thomas Pole is directly linked to the apostle. It represents something important. It showcases the traditions. These traditions shape the identity of the local Christian community.
The St. Thomas Pole reminds us of the past. It shows how faith and history intertwine. It stands as a testament. It shows the enduring spirit of Santhome.