Saint Thomas Becket: The English Archbishop and Martyr

Saint Thomas Becket, also known as Saint Thomas of Canterbury, is a revered saint in the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion. He is the patron saint of secular clergy, and his life and legacy have had a profound impact on the church and the world at large.

Saint Thomas Becket was born in Cheapside, London, England, on December 21st, 1118. His parents were both of Norman descent, and his father was a prosperous merchant. As a child, Becket received an excellent education, and he was fluent in both French and Latin.

Becket's rise to power began when he entered the service of Theobald, the Archbishop of Canterbury, as a clerk. In 1154, he became the Chancellor of England under King Henry II. He and Henry were close friends, and Becket was known for his luxurious lifestyle and love of hunting. However, when Theobald died in 1161, Henry saw an opportunity to increase his power over the church and appointed Becket as the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

As Archbishop, Becket was no longer a friend and ally of King Henry II. Instead, he became a fierce defender of the church's rights and privileges. He clashed with the king on several occasions over the jurisdiction of the church, the rights of clergy, and the extent of royal power. In 1164, Henry passed the Constitutions of Clarendon, which sought to limit the power of the church and bring it under royal control. Becket initially agreed to the Constitutions but later retracted his support, leading to a bitter conflict with the king.

The conflict between Becket and Henry came to a head on December 29th, 1170, when four of Henry's knights entered Canterbury Cathedral and murdered Becket at the altar. Becket's death shocked England and the world, and he was quickly venerated as a martyr. He was canonized by the Pope in 1173, just three years after his death.

Saint Thomas Becket's feast day is celebrated on December 29th, the anniversary of his martyrdom. He is remembered for his defense of the church's independence and his willingness to stand up to royal power. He is also revered as a symbol of the struggle for justice and the rights of individuals against oppressive systems. His shrine at Canterbury Cathedral became a major site of pilgrimage, and his story has been the subject of many works of literature, including T.S. Eliot's play "Murder in the Cathedral."

Saint Thomas Becket was a courageous and influential figure in the history of the church and the world. His legacy continues to inspire people to stand up for justice and fight for their beliefs.