St. Thomas à Becket- A Glimpse into the Life and Legacy of the Famous English Archbishop
Who is St. Thomas á Becket, and why is he famous? St. Thomas á Becket, also known as Thomas à Becket, was an English priest and Archbishop of Canterbury who lived from 1118 to 1170. He is renowned for his courage in defending the rights of the Church against the excessive demands of the state, particularly during the reign of King Henry II. His life and legacy have left an indelible mark on the history of England and the Catholic Church.
St. Thomas á Becket was born in London to a Norman family, and he was educated at the University of Paris. He was ordained a priest in 1137 and quickly rose through the ranks of the Church, becoming the Archdeacon of Canterbury in 1141. In 1154, he was appointed the Archbishop of Canterbury, a position that made him the highest-ranking Church official in England.
Why is St. Thomas á Becket famous?
St. Thomas á Becket is famous for his unwavering commitment to the principles of the Church and his defense of the Church’s independence from the state. During his tenure as Archbishop, he clashed repeatedly with King Henry II over issues of church and state authority. The most famous of these disputes was over the right of the Church to appoint bishops without interference from the state.
The conflict between St. Thomas á Becket and King Henry II reached a climax in 1164 when the king attempted to arrest him. However, the people of Canterbury rose up in his defense, and he was able to escape. Despite this, the tension between the king and the archbishop continued to escalate.
Ultimately, the conflict led to the murder of St. Thomas á Becket in 1170.
On December 29, 1170, four knights, acting on King Henry II’s orders, entered the Cathedral of Canterbury and assassinated St. Thomas á Becket during his morning Mass. The murder shocked the Christian world and led to a wave of grief and outrage. It also marked the beginning of St. Thomas á Becket’s canonization as a saint.
Why is St. Thomas á Becket a saint?
St. Thomas á Becket was canonized by Pope Alexander III on July 29, 1173, just three years after his death. He was declared a martyr for the faith and his feast day is celebrated on December 29. His canonization was a testament to his dedication to the Church and his unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and truth.
St. Thomas á Becket’s legacy
St. Thomas á Becket’s life and death have had a profound impact on the history of England and the Catholic Church. His defense of the Church’s independence from the state laid the foundation for the separation of church and state in England. Additionally, his courage and dedication to the faith have inspired countless individuals throughout the centuries.
Today, St. Thomas á Becket remains a symbol of religious freedom and the power of moral courage. His life story continues to be a source of inspiration for those who strive to uphold the principles of justice, truth, and the rights of the Church. In conclusion, St. Thomas á Becket is famous for his unwavering commitment to the Church and his ultimate sacrifice for the principles of faith and justice.
