Santhome Cathedral in India, Site of the Apostle Thomas' Tomb, Spared from Tsunami by Miracle?

Indian Catholic reports that the Santhome Cathedral Basilica, one of two basilicas in the world built on the tomb of an Apostle, now housing hundreds of tsunami victims, was spared in what some say was a miracle. The Cathedral sits within view of the sea (see a photo of the Cathedral with the sea in the background at Cruxnews.Com).

According to Indian Catholic, St. Thomas the Apostles was buried at the site close to the sea in 72 A.D. All the buildings around the church were hit by the tsunami. According to lore, St. Thomas planted a post in front of the Cathedral, saying the sea would not pass that point. The post is said to be from a log which had fallen in a river causing flooding. When an elephant was unable to move the log, St. Thomas provided his girdle from around his waist to a man who miraculously moved the log with ease.

Thomas, sometimes called the Apostle to the Orient, travelled to the farthest flung area of any of the Apostles, establishing a Christian community in India which continues to this day. Many non-western sources give reports of him. Indian tradition maintains that he was martyred when stabbed to death July 3, 72 A.D. by Brahmin priests of Mylapore who sought to halt the growth of Christianity.