St. Thomas More
A Beacon of Conscience and Faith
"I die the king's faithful servant, but God's first."
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- England
- Gender:
- Male
- Vocation:
- Laity
- Birth:
- 1478
- Feast Day:
- Jun 22
- Death:
- 1535
Saint Details
St. Thomas More, born on February 7, 1478, in London, England, was a man of profound intellect, unwavering faith, and moral courage. He was educated at Oxford and trained as a lawyer, quickly rising to prominence in English society. More served as a Member of Parliament, a diplomat, and eventually as Lord Chancellor of England under King Henry VIII. A devoted family man, he was known for his wit, humility, and deep commitment to his Catholic faith. More"s life took a dramatic turn when King Henry VIII sought to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn. When the Pope refused to grant the annulment, Henry broke with the Catholic Church, establishing the Church of England with himself as its head. More, a staunch defender of the Church"s authority and the sanctity of marriage, refused to acknowledge Henry as the head of the Church or to support his divorce. This refusal led to his imprisonment in the Tower of London in 1534 and his eventual execution on July 6, 1535. His final words, "I die the king"s good servant, but God"s first," encapsulate his unwavering loyalty to his faith.
Associated Holy Sites
Tower of London
London EC3N 4AB, UK
St Thomas More Church
Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SU, UK
St Dunstan's Church, Canterbury
80 London Rd, Canterbury CT2 8LS, UK
Details for: Tower of London
The Tower of London, while not a traditional place of worship, holds significant religious importance for Catholic pilgrims due to its historical association with the Catholic faith in England. Many individuals imprisoned within its walls were figures of religious significance, including Catholic queens and martyrs who suffered persecution for their faith. Their stories, etched into the Tower's very stones, serve as a powerful testament to faith and resilience. Pilgrims visit to reflect on these individuals' unwavering commitment to their beliefs, and to connect with a history of religious struggle and perseverance within the context of the English Reformation. The Tower's enduring presence becomes a symbolic space for contemplation of faith's power in the face of adversity. A visit offers a unique perspective on the interplay of faith, power, and history.
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