St. Thomas More
English Lawyer, Statesman, and Martyr, Patron of Lawyers and Civil Servants
📖 Life of St. Thomas More
St. Thomas More was born in London on February 7, 1478, to Sir John More, a lawyer and judge who rose to prominence during the reign of Edward IV. His father's connections and wealth would help Thomas rise in station as a young man. Thomas' mother was Agnes Graunger, the first wife of John More.
Thomas attended St. Anthony's School, one of the best schools in London at that time. In 1490, he became a household page to John Morton, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor of England. Archbishop Morton was a Renaissance man and inspired Thomas to pursue his own education.
Thomas More entered Oxford in 1492, where he learned Latin, Greek and prepared for his future studies. In 1494, he left Oxford to become a lawyer and trained in London until 1502 when he was finally approved to begin practice.
Almost as soon as More became a lawyer, he found himself contemplating another path in life. For two years, between 1503 and 1504, More lived next to a Carthusian monastery and found himself called to follow their lifestyle of simple piety. He often joined their spiritual exercises, but by 1504, he had decided to remain in the secular world and stood for election to Parliament.
Thomas More married his first wife, Jane Colt, in 1505. They had four children together before her death in 1511. After Jane's death, Thomas quickly remarried to Alice Harpur Middleton, a wealthy widow. Thomas was considered a doting father and insisted that his daughters receive the same education as his son.
🌟 Legacy of St. Thomas More: Martyr for Conscience
Rise to Power
In 1504, More was elected to Parliament to represent the region of Great Yarmouth, and in 1510 rose to represent London. During his service to the people of London, he earned a reputation as being honest and effective. He became a Privy Counselor in 1514 and was knighted in 1521, becoming Under-Treasurer of the Exchequer.
Lord Chancellor
More became Lord Chancellor in 1529 and was immediately effective, working with speed and precision that is admired today. He was likely one of Henry VIII's most effective servants and was fiercely loyal to the king. During his tenure, More prosecuted those accused of heresy and worked tirelessly to defend the Catholic faith in England.
The Crisis of Conscience
In 1530, as Henry worked to obtain an annulment from his wife, Catherine, More refused to sign a letter to the Pope requesting an annulment. This was More's first time crossing Henry. The relationship became strained when Henry purged many of the clergy who supported the Pope, making it clear that Henry was prepared to break away from the Church in Rome.
Martyrdom
In 1532, More found himself unable to work for Henry VIII and offered his resignation, citing failing health. In 1534, More was ordered to take an oath acknowledging Henry as head of the church, which he refused. He was arrested, imprisoned in the Tower of London, and eventually convicted of treason. On July 6, 1535, he ascended the scaffold, proclaiming that he was "the king's good servant, but God's first."
📅 Feast Day
Feast of St. Thomas More
Liturgical Celebration
The feast of St. Thomas More is celebrated on June 22nd, commemorating his martyrdom for the faith. This date falls during the summer months, providing an opportunity to reflect on the courage and integrity required to stand up for one's beliefs, even in the face of persecution.
Canonization
Pope Leo XIII beatified Thomas More in 1886, and he was canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 19, 1935. His canonization recognized not only his martyrdom but also his exemplary life as a lay person who lived his faith in the secular world while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and morality.
Traditions and Devotions
On his feast day, many people pray for the intercession of St. Thomas More, especially for lawyers, civil servants, and politicians. It's also a time to reflect on the importance of conscience and the courage to stand up for what is right, even when it means personal sacrifice.
🛡️ Patronage
Primary Patronages
- • Lawyers: Patron of attorneys and legal professionals
- • Civil Servants: Patron of government workers and public servants
- • Politicians: Patron of elected officials and political leaders
- • Adopted Children: Patron of those who are adopted
- • Difficult Marriages: Patron of troubled marriages
- • Conscience: Patron of those facing moral dilemmas
Special Intentions
- • Integrity: Help in maintaining moral principles
- • Courage: Assistance in standing up for what is right
- • Conscience: Guidance in moral decision-making
- • Family Unity: Patron of family reconciliation
- • Professional Ethics: Help in maintaining ethical standards
- • Martyrdom: Patron of those persecuted for their faith
🙏 Prayers
Prayer to St. Thomas More
"O St. Thomas More, patron of lawyers and civil servants, you who maintained your integrity and conscience even in the face of persecution and death, help us to follow your example of courage and faith.
Teach us to be "the king's good servant, but God's first" in all our dealings. Help us to stand firm in our beliefs and to maintain our moral principles, even when it means personal sacrifice.
St. Thomas More, pray for us that we may have the courage to follow our conscience and to remain faithful to God in all circumstances. Amen."
Short Prayer
"St. Thomas More, help us to be faithful to our conscience and to God. Pray for us!"
Related Saints
St. John Fisher
English bishop and cardinal who was martyred alongside St. Thomas More for refusing to acknowledge Henry VIII as head of the Church.
St. Edmund Campion
English Jesuit priest and martyr who was executed during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I for his Catholic faith.
St. Thomas Becket
Archbishop of Canterbury who was martyred for defending the rights of the Church against King Henry II.