St. Thomas Becket

Patron Saint of Secular Clergy

St. Thomas Becket was Archbishop of Canterbury and a martyr for the faith. He held the position of Lord Chancellor under King Henry II, until his election as Archbishop. During this time, a quarrel formed between the Archbishop and the King over the authority of the Church. This eventually led the King to order the assassination of St. Thomas by accident because of the king’s servants taking his commands too literally. St. Thomas was martyred in Canterbury Cathedral. St. Thomas Becket is the patron of secular priests.

"I die willingly, for the name of Jesus and for the defense of the Church."- St. Thomas Becket

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