Saint of the Day: June 22, 2024
Thomas More, born on February 7, 1478, in London, England, is celebrated for his unwavering integrity and deep commitment to his faith. His feast day is commemorated on June 22nd.
Early Life and Education
Thomas was the son of Sir John More, a prominent lawyer and judge, and Agnes Graunger. Despite the tragedies of losing three siblings in infancy, Thomas grew up in a nurturing environment influenced by his mother and surviving siblings. He attended St. Anthony’s School, one of London’s finest institutions, where he laid the foundation for his scholarly pursuits.
In 1490, Thomas became a household page for John Morton, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor of England. Morton’s influence inspired Thomas to pursue higher education. He enrolled at Oxford in 1492, excelling in Latin, Greek, and law, before leaving to train as a lawyer in London.
Path to Religious Life
Although he began a promising legal career, Thomas was drawn to the monastic life. For two years, he lived near a Carthusian monastery, immersing himself in their spiritual practices. Ultimately, he decided to remain in the secular world, influenced by his profound respect for the monks’ piety.
Political and Legal Career
Thomas married Jane Colt in 1505, with whom he had four children. After Jane’s death in 1511, he married Alice Harpur Middleton, a wealthy widow, providing stability for his children and Alice’s daughter. Thomas was known as a devoted father, ensuring his daughters received the same education as his son.
Elected to Parliament in 1504, Thomas quickly earned a reputation for honesty and effectiveness. His legal and political career flourished, culminating in his appointment as Lord Chancellor in 1529. As a close advisor to King Henry VIII, Thomas served with distinction but faced increasing moral dilemmas as the king sought to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
Stand for Faith
Thomas’s refusal to support Henry’s break from the Catholic Church led to his resignation in 1532. His absence from Anne Boleyn’s coronation further strained his relationship with the king. In 1534, Thomas refused to take an oath recognizing Henry’s supremacy over the Church of England, leading to his arrest and imprisonment in the Tower of London.
Convicted of treason in a biased trial, Thomas was sentenced to death. On July 6, 1535, he was executed by beheading, maintaining his innocence and faith until the end. His final words, “I die the king’s good servant, but God’s first,” epitomize his steadfast devotion.
Legacy and Canonization
Thomas More’s legacy as a man of profound integrity and faith endures. He was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1886 and canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 19, 1935. St. Thomas More is the patron saint of adopted children, lawyers, civil servants, politicians, and difficult marriages. His life and martyrdom serve as a powerful testament to the courage of standing by one’s convictions in the face of immense pressure.
Prayer
Saint Thomas More, your unwavering faith and integrity in the face of persecution inspire us. Help us to stand firm in our beliefs and to serve both God and our communities with dedication and courage. May your example guide us in our daily lives, especially when we face difficult decisions. Amen.