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SAINT FEAST DAY 29 DECEMBER: ST THOMAS BECKET

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN DECEMBER

Saints celebrated on the 29th of December

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SAINT THOMAS BECKET, BISHOP AND MARTYR


Born in London in 1118, St Thomas, Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in his cathedral on December 29, 1170. A deacon when he was appointed chancellor of England, he became a close friend of King Henry II. 

AN ABRUPT CONVERSION OF LIFE

His ordination as bishop brought an abrupt conversion of life and led him to oppose the king over Church rights. After six years’ refuge in a French monastery, he returned to his diocese, but careless words from the king inspired four knights to assassinate him. Immediately acknowledged as a martyr, he is remembered for his courage in defence of the rights of the Church.

PRAYER:

O God, who gave the Martyr Saint Thomas Becket

the courage to give up his life for the sake of justice,

grant, through his intercession,

that renouncing our life

for the sake of Christ in this world,

we may find it in heaven.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

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