St. Thomas More – Patron Saint of Lawyers and Politicians

Biography of Saint Thomas More

St. Thomas More was an English lawyer, author, and statesman of the 16th century who is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of politicians and statesmen, and is known for his courage, integrity, and faith.

Thomas More was born in London on February 7, 1478 and was educated at Oxford University. He later trained as a lawyer and became a successful lawyer and politician. He served as a Member of Parliament and as a member of King Henry VIII’s Privy Council. He was also a friend of the renowned humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam and was known for his wit and intelligence.

In 1529, King Henry VIII began to press for the annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon so he could marry Anne Boleyn. More, as a devout Catholic, refused to recognize the King’s marriage to Anne and the legitimacy of the Church of England. He resigned as Lord Chancellor in 1532, rather than take an oath recognizing the King as the head of the Church of England.

In 1534, More was arrested and charged with high treason for refusing to acknowledge the Act of Succession, which made Anne Boleyn’s children the legitimate heirs to the throne and recognized the King as the head of the Church of England. He was found guilty and sentenced to death.

Despite intense pressure and offers of clemency, More remained steadfast in his refusal to recognize the King’s authority in religious matters. He was executed on July 6th, 1535.

After his death, More’s reputation as a man of integrity and a martyr for the faith spread quickly. He was beatified by the Catholic Church in 1886 and canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1935. His feast day is celebrated on June 22nd

St. Thomas More is remembered for his unwavering commitment to his conscience and his faith. He is an important figure in the history of the Church of England, and an inspiration for those who are called to uphold the principles of justice, integrity, and religious freedom.

He is also remembered for his literary contributions, including the book Utopia, a satirical work depicting an ideal society and his personal writings, including his reflections on politics and society, which reveal a man of deep faith and conviction, committed to the common good and the rule of law.

In 2000, Pope John Paul II declared him the patron saint of politicians and statesmen, recognizing his example of courage, integrity, and faith in public life.

Popular St. Thomas More Medal and St. Thomas More Rosary

Prayers to St. Thomas More

 Dear St. Thomas More, you were a man of great faith and integrity, who lived a life of prayer and service to others. I ask that you intercede for me and help me to grow in these same virtues.

Prayer to St. Thomas More

Dear St. Thomas, you gave up your life rather than compromise your beliefs. I ask that you give me the courage to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Prayer to St. Thomas More

Dear St. Thomas, you were a man of great wisdom and learning. I ask that you help me to develop my mind and deepen my understanding of the truth.

Prayer to St. Thomas More

Dear St. Thomas, you were a loving husband and father. I ask that you pray for all families, that they may be places of love, peace, and support for one another.

Prayer to St. Thomas More

Dear St. Thomas, you are now in heaven, in the presence of God. I ask that you pray for me, that I may one day join you there, to bask in the glory of the Lord forever and ever. Amen.

St. Thomas More – Patron Saint of Lawyers and Politicians

St. Thomas More is the patron saint of lawyers and politicians. He is venerated for his unwavering commitment to his faith and his principles, even when faced with difficult choices and consequences.

St. Thomas More was a lawyer, writer, and statesman in England during the 16th century. He served as the Lord Chancellor of England under King Henry VIII, but refused to accept the king’s authority to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon and to declare himself head of the Church of England. As a result, St. Thomas More was imprisoned and ultimately executed for treason.

Despite the challenges he faced, St. Thomas More remained steadfast in his beliefs and upheld his conscience above all else. He is remembered as a model of integrity and courage, and is honored as the patron saint of those in the legal and political professions who seek to live their lives in accordance with their faith and principles.

His life and writings, particularly “Utopia,” continue to influence and inspire individuals to this day, particularly those in the fields of law and politics. By invoking St. Thomas More’s intercession, lawyers and politicians can seek guidance and strength as they navigate the complex ethical and moral dilemmas that often arise in their work.

Reflection on the Feast Day of St. Thomas More

The feast day of St. Thomas More is celebrated on June 22nd.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. Thomas More, we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to his faith and his devotion to God. St. Thomas More is a powerful example of what it means to live a life of integrity and to be true to one’s conscience, even in the face of great adversity.

St. Thomas More was a man of many talents and accomplishments. He was a lawyer, a statesman, and a writer. He held various high offices, including serving as Lord Chancellor of England under King Henry VIII. However, his most notable achievement was his steadfast commitment to his Catholic faith, which ultimately led to his execution.

When King Henry VIII broke with the Catholic Church and created the Church of England, St. Thomas More refused to recognize the legitimacy of the new church and the King’s divorce. He believed that his loyalty to God and his conscience were above his loyalty to the state. As a result, he was arrested, tried, and executed for treason.

Through his sacrifice, St. Thomas More reminds us of the importance of staying true to our conscience and our faith. His example teaches us that true integrity is not about being popular or going along with the crowd, but about being true to ourselves and to God, even in the face of great adversity. As we reflect on the life of St. Thomas More, let us ask for his intercession and guidance as we strive to live a life of integrity and to be true to our conscience.

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Saints Similar to St. Thomas More

You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Thomas Aquinas and the Biography of St. Thomas the Apostle and the Biography of St. Thomas A Becket. St. Thomas More and St. Thomas A Becket were both English saints and martyrs during the Reformation. St. Thomas More was a close friend of St. Thomas Aquinas, who was a renowned theologian. St. Thomas the Apostle is known for his strong faith. Next up: Biography of St. Thomas of Villanova

 

Also check out our handmade St. Thomas More Medal and St. Thomas More Rosary and St. Thomas More Rosary Bracelet .