Murdered in the cathedral

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

	St. Thomas Becket When: Dec. 21, 1118, to Dec. 29, 1170 Where: England What: English chancellor, then Archbishop of Canterbury Feast: Dec. 29 Canonized: 1173 as a martyr

Sometimes, life sends us a major surprise. Suddenly, things we took for granted don't seem so secure or certain behaviors don't seem appropriate any more. Sometimes, it's a natural part of maturing, at times, it's a major change in life.

Such a change in perspective cost Thomas Becket his life and is why, more than 800 years later, he's seen as a great saint.

Thomas was born in London to Gilbert, the sheriff of London, and Matilda. He studied law in London and did additional studies in Paris. After Gilbert died in 1141, the Archbishop of Canterbury sent Thomas to Rome, Bologna and Auxerre to study canon law.

Following his ordination to the diaconate in 1154, Thomas became archdeacon of Canterbury. After he convinced Pope Eugene III to crown Henry of Anjou as King Henry II, he became a favorite of the new king.

In 1155, Henry made Thomas chancellor of England - the most powerful man after the king. Thomas enjoyed his position, which included his own troops and living a life of luxury. However, he still made time for daily prayer, frequent confession and retreats.

When the Archbishop of Canterbury died in 1161, Henry nominated Thomas, despite his objections. After Thomas was elected Archbishop in 1162, he resigned as chancellor and was ordained a priest.

Suddenly, everything changed. Thomas gave up luxury for austerity and began wearing hair shirts. He and Henry clashed over clerical and church rights when Thomas took pro-church positions, which he had opposed as chancellor. Thomas even had to flee to France in 1164, where he sought in vain the support of Pope Alexander III, who feared offending Henry.

Seeing that a solution was impossible, Thomas followed the pope's suggestion and became a Cistercian monk. Finally, in 1170, King Louis VII of France convinced Henry and Thomas to reconcile.

But when Thomas refused to lift the excommunication of the Archbishop of York and other bishops who would not swear to obey the pope, an enraged Henry said he wished he was rid of Thomas.

While most scholars do not think Henry meant this threat, four of his knights took him seriously and murdered the archbishop in his cathedral. All Europe was shocked and Thomas was at once declared a martyr and, soon after, a saint.

The next year, Henry performed a public penance and Thomas' shrine became a popular European pilgrimage site.

As Thomas Becket learned, our perspective can change our view of life. It's a good time of year to examine our beliefs, attitudes and actions to see how they match with Jesus' life.