Feast Day: December 29
Born: December 21, 1119, or 1120 (disputed), in London, England
Died: December 29, 1170, in Canterbury Cathedral, England
Canonized: February 21, 1173, by Pope Alexander III
St. Thomas Becket, also known as St. Thomas of Canterbury, was the son of Gilbert Becket, a prosperous Norman merchant, and Matilda, possibly of Norman or Saxon origin. His life is a towering example of fidelity to Christ and the Church in the face of political pressure, culminating in martyrdom.
Early Life and Education
Thomas was born in London and received an education that reflected his family’s social aspirations. After studying at Merton Priory, London schools, and later in Paris, Thomas displayed an aptitude for administration and law. He became a clerk in the service of Theobald, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who recognized Thomas’s talents and entrusted him with important responsibilities.
Chancellor of England
In 1155, Thomas was appointed Chancellor of England by King Henry II, a role that marked his entrance into the highest levels of secular governance. As Chancellor, Thomas enforced the king’s authority with vigor, aligning closely with Henry’s ambitions to consolidate royal power.
During this time, he lived luxuriously and was known for his sharp intelligence, administrative skill, and loyalty to Henry.
Archbishop of Canterbury
In 1162, King Henry II secured Thomas’s election as Archbishop of Canterbury, expecting him to continue supporting royal policies. However, Thomas experienced a profound transformation upon accepting this sacred office. Embracing the spiritual responsibilities of the episcopacy, he adopted an austere and devout life, becoming a champion of the Church’s independence from secular interference.
Conflict with King Henry II
The relationship between Thomas and Henry quickly soured as the Archbishop resisted the king’s attempts to subjugate the Church under royal control, particularly through the Constitutions of Clarendon in 1164, which sought to limit ecclesiastical authority. Thomas’s steadfast defense of the Church’s rights led to his exile to France, where he lived for six years under the protection of King Louis VII.
Return and Martyrdom
In 1170, Thomas returned to England after a fragile reconciliation with Henry. However, tensions flared again when Thomas excommunicated bishops who had sided with the king. Enraged by what he saw as defiance, Henry’s infamous outburst—”Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?”—was interpreted as a royal command.
On December 29, 1170, four knights entered Canterbury Cathedral and brutally murdered Thomas at the altar. His martyrdom shocked Christendom and inspired widespread veneration.
Canonization and Legacy
Just three years after his death, Pope Alexander III canonized Thomas Becket. His shrine in Canterbury became one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in medieval Europe, immortalized in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales.
St. Thomas Becket remains a symbol of courage in defending the rights of the Church and fidelity to God’s will, even unto death.
Spiritual Significance
St. Thomas’s life and martyrdom remind Catholics of the cost of discipleship and the necessity of prioritizing God’s law above human authority. His example encourages bishops, priests, and laypeople to remain steadfast in faith, no matter the opposition they face.
Prayer to St. Thomas Becket:
O Glorious Martyr, St. Thomas, who stood steadfast in defense of the Church’s liberty, grant us courage to remain faithful in trials and to love Christ above all. Intercede for us that we may persevere in our faith and walk the path to holiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.