He paid with his life for defending the Church

sister Marzia Ceschia

«It is better to obey God than men, a father than a master” said Thomas Becket, Bishop of Canterbury, holy bishop and martyr, whose liturgical memorial is celebrated on 29th December, the day of his death. Thomas was born in 1118 to Norman parents of the merchant class. He was educated first at the Augustinian Merton Priory, then in a London school, and finally at Paris and at the University of Bologna. In 1154, he became archdeacon of the Diocese of Canterbury and, the following year, he was appointed Chancellor of the Kingdom by King Henry II of England. Completely trusted by the king he became his advisor and administrator, enjoying a position rich in honour and privilege. In 1161, he was ordained as a priest, and the following year he was consecrated as the Bishop of Canterbury. Then, greatly to Henry’s displeasure, he resigned the chancellorship adopting a monastic lifestyle and devoting himself to caring for the poor. Above all, he was determined to defend the interests and the freedom of the Church. For example, he refused to comply with the Constitutions of Clarendon, which severely limited the Church’s autonomy from the crown.

Dear reader, thank you for choosing this article.
Want to read more? Ask for a free copy of "The Saint of Miracles"

Ask for Free Copy