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Feast Day: July 30
Death: July 1, 30
Blessed Thomas Abel, also known as Thomas Able or Thomas Abell, was born around 1497 in England. He became a renowned scholar, obtaining his Doctor of Divinity from Oxford University. Thomas was ordained as a priest and later became the chaplain to Queen Catherine of Aragon, the wife of King Henry VIII.
In his role as chaplain, Thomas played a significant role in seeking permission and blessing from Pope Julius II for the marriage of Catherine and Henry. He personally delivered a letter from Emperor Charles V to the pope, requesting approval for the union. However, Thomas confided in the emperor that Catherine had been coerced into writing the letter. Charles V refused to pass on the request to the pope, leaving Thomas empty-handed upon his return to England.
As the political climate shifted, and Henry VIII sought to divorce Catherine, Thomas published a work titled Invicta Veritas. This publication argued against Oxford University's support of the divorce, which caught the attention of the king. In 1532, Thomas was imprisoned in the Tower of London for his opposition.
After a short period of imprisonment, Thomas was released but was arrested again in 1533. He was accused of involvement in the Holy Maid of Kent incident, in which Elizabeth Barton, a woman claiming to have mystical experiences, preached in favor of the Mass and Catholicism. While in prison, Thomas established a correspondence with Blessed John Forest, who was also imprisoned at the time in Newgate prison.
The warden of the Tower of London released Thomas in 1539, but his freedom was short-lived. He was soon re-arrested, and the warden himself was imprisoned for releasing him. Thomas faced a charge of high treason based on his denial of the king's supremacy over the Church. Unfortunately, Thomas Abel was convicted and sentenced to execution.
On July 30, 1540, Thomas Abel was hanged, drawn, and quartered at Smithfield in England, sealing his martyrdom. His steadfast refusal to compromise his Catholic beliefs, his defense of the sanctity of marriage, and his loyalty to the Catholic Church earned him the veneration of the faithful.
Blessed Thomas Abel's beatification took place on December 29, 1886, by Pope Leo XIII, recognizing his martyrdom and his enduring example of faithfulness and courage in the face of religious persecution. His feast day is celebrated on July 30th each year.