ST THOMAS BECKET - FEASTDAY 29TH DECEMBER

Thomas Becket also known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Thomas of London, and later Thomas à Becket; 21 December c. 1119 (or 1120) – 29 December 1170) was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170.

 He is venerated as a saint and martyr by both the Catholic Church. He engaged in conflict with Henry II of England over the rights and privileges of the Church and was murdered by followers of the king in Canterbury Cathedral. 

When the angry King said “Will no one rid me of this archbishop?” some of his knights took him seriously. They went off to murder the archbishop. They attacked him in his own cathedral.

He died, saying, “For the name of Jesus and in defense of the Church, I am willing to die.” It was December 29, 1170.

The entire Christian world was horrified at such a crime. Pope Alexander III held the king personally responsible for the murder.

Miracles began to happen at Thomas’ tomb. He was proclaimed a saint by the same pope in 1173. 

Soon after his death, he was canonised by Pope Alexander III.