Saint Thomas More

Biography

Saint Thomas More, also known as omnium horarum homo (a man for all seasons), was a remarkable figure of the 16th century. Born on February 7, 1478, in London, England, he grew up to become a highly acclaimed scholar and a devout Catholic. More studied at London and Oxford, where he cultivated a deep love for learning and garnered an extensive knowledge of various subjects. Following his education, More embarked on a distinguished career. He served as a page for the Archbishop of Canterbury and later pursued a profession in law. Known for his sharp intellect, he gained recognition as a skilled lawyer. More was married twice, and after the passing of his first wife, he remarried and became a widower. He was a devoted family man, fathering one son and three daughters. Besides his legal career, More was recognized for his writing prowess. His most famous work, the novel Utopia, coined the term utopia to refer to an ideal and perfect society. Additionally, More translated works by the ancient Greek writer, Lucian. During his lifetime, Thomas More was esteemed for his scholarship and considered a man of great wisdom and insight. Friendship with King Henry VIII played a significant role in More's life. He became particularly renowned when he held the esteemed position of Lord Chancellor of England from 1529 to 1532, second in political power only to the king himself. In this capacity, More fought against any form of heresy, fervently opposing the incursion of Protestantism into England. However, their friendship was tested when King Henry VIII sought to divorce his wife Catherine of Aragon and annul their marriage. More, a devout Catholic, steadfastly opposed the king's actions and refused to recognize the king as the supreme authority of the Church in England. To consolidate his power, the king required all subjects, including More, to swear their allegiance to his supremacy, a demand More could not comply with due to his religious convictions. Choosing loyalty to his faith over loyalty to the king, More resigned from his position as Lord Chancellor. His refusal to bend his religious beliefs to the king's political agenda led to his imprisonment in the Tower of London in 1534. There, while incarcerated, More wrote extensively to defend his convictions and remained steadfast in his refusal to accept the Oath of Supremacy. Sadly, on July 6, 1535, Thomas More was unjustly executed for treason. He was beheaded on Tower Hill, London, and his head was parboiled and displayed on London Bridge for a month as a chilling warning to potential traitors. However, an act of bravery occurred during this time. Margaret Roper, More's daughter, managed to bribe the person assigned to dispose of her father's head, thus preserving it from being thrown into the river. In 1824, a lead box was discovered in the Roper vault at Saint Dunstan's Church in Canterbury, England, containing a head presumed to be that of Saint Thomas More. Recognizing his unwavering commitment to his faith, Pope Leo XIII beatified Thomas More on December 29, 1886. Later, on June 22, 1935, Pope Pius XI canonized him as a saint. Saint Thomas More has become a symbol of integrity, martyrdom, and unyielding loyalty to religious conviction. Throughout history, Saint Thomas More has been revered as a patron saint of numerous causes. He is the patron saint of adopted children, Arlington, Virginia, diocese of; Ateneo de Manila Law School; civil servants; court clerks; difficult marriages; large families; lawyers; Pensacola-Tallahassee, Florida, diocese of; politicians; politicos; Society of Our Lady of Good Counsel; statesmen; step-parents; University of Malta; University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Arts and Letters; and widowers. Saint Thomas More's life serves as an inspiration to many, reminding us of the importance of standing up for our beliefs and principles, even in the face of adversity. His enduring legacy lives on through his writings and the ongoing veneration of his martyrdom.