medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Coming up late in the discussion about Thomas, but wasn't the apostle
so in the Golden Legend...?
The Indian Christian Church(es) that is(are) supposed to have been
settled by Thomas is(are) the Malabar or Malankar or Kerala Church(es)
with many distinct obediences:
> "... according to the tradition, St. Thomas, one of the twelve
> apostles of Jesus Christ, came to India in 52 A.D., and landed at
> Kodungallur on the Malabar (presently Kerala) coast. He preached the
> Gospel to the Brahmin families of Kerala, many of whom received the
> faith. He established seven Churches there: Kodungallur, Kottakkavu,
> Palayur, Kollam, Kokkamangalam, Niranam and Chayil. It is also a
> tradition that he frequently visited Malayattoor hills for prayer.
> Later, he moved on to the east coast of India. He was martyred in 72
> A.D. by a fanatic at Little Mount (near Madras) and his body was
> brought to Mylapore (near Madras) and was buried there. His tomb is
> venerated until this day.
About Thomas eventually traveling to the New World leads me to this
unique Assumption Feast in southern Spain I've studying (city of Elx or
Elche in the Valencia region, considered part of "the Great Catalonia
Countries"), in which Thomas shows up late and last, and starts singing
these words :
>> Let me please apologize for being so late
>> For I was kept busy with the Indians
which of course refers to "indian India" since the catalan lyrics of
this Assumption Feast are directly inspired from the Golden Legend, and
the Apostles Acts .
BUT :
- in the story of Mary's Assumption, a group of Jews show up and try to
prevent the Apostles from burying Mary's body, then they are converted
by John and Peter after a miracle.
- the Jews were pushed out of Spain in 1492, unless they would convert
to christianism.
- Christopher Columbus discovered 'western" India on that very same
year.
Therefore many people believe that this part of the story refers to
these two 1492 major events in the history of Spain, and consequently
think that Thomas was kept busy with american Indians !!! Their
arguments are built on the fact that the "Judiada" scene may have been
added later after 1492 as a propaganda addressed to the Jews left in
Spain after the 1492 decree. Thomas' words would then refer to Columbus
trip and stand as a homage to the Royal Catholic Queen Isabel & King
Fernando...
This is the reason why I wonder if you, Mr Izbicki, could give me more
information about this Gallo manuscript in Berkeley...
Looking forward,
Frank Gayte
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