St. Thomas Becket (1118-1170)
Image Courtesy: —Aquinas and More
(Franciscan Media) Today is the 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas and we remember St.Thomas Becket, the other Thomas that was martyred for Jesus Christ.
A strong who wavered but for a moment but then learned that one cannot come to terms with evil and so he became a strong churchman, a martyr and a Saint–Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury murdered in his Cathedral on the 29 December, 1170
Thomas Becket’s career began as a stormy one–While Archdeacon of Canterbury he was made Chancellor of England at the age of 36 by his friend King Henry II when Henry felt it advantageous to make his Chancellor the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas gave him fair warning, he might not accept all of Henry’s intrusions into Church affairs nevertheless, he was made Archbishop (in 1162) and resigned his Chancellorship and reformed his whole way of life.
Troubles followed, Henry insisted on usurping Church rights–at one time supposing some conciliatory action possible, Thomas came close to compromise and momentarily approved the ‘Constitutions of Clarendon’ which would have denied the Clergy the right of trial by a Church Court and prevented them from making direct appeal to Rome but Thomas, rejected the ‘Constitutions’ fled to France for safety and remained in exile for seven years.
When Thomas returned to England in 1170 he suspected it would mean certain death because he refused to remit censures, Thomas placed upon Bishops favored by King Henry who cried out in a rage: “Will no one rid me of this troublesome Priest.”
Four knights taking his words as his wish, slew Thomas in the Canterbury Cathedral.
In 1173 Thomas was canonized–In July the following year, King Henry in an attempt to calm a public revolt, did a public penance at St.Thomas’ tomb which became a pilgrimage for the faithful.
More here on St. Thomas Becket from Catholic Online
St. Thomas Becket: A Saint For This Season – Natl Catholic Register
Related: For Today’s Holy Scripture Readings for the 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas, Visit: -USCCB