December 29: Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr—Optional Memorial

Read entire reflection online >>>

December 29: Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr—Optional Memorial

c. 1119–1170
Patron Saint of clergy
Canonized by Pope Alexander III on February 21, 1173
Liturgical color: White (Red only where celebrated as a Feast)

Quote:
Remember the profession, which you made and placed in writing upon the altar at Westminster, to preserve the  Church’s liberties, when you were consecrated and anointed to be king. Restore the Church of Canterbury, from which you received your promotion and consecration, to the state in which it was in the days of our predecessors, with all its possessions, castles, manors, and farms, and all other property that has been taken away from any of my men, whether clerks or laymen, and allow us to resume our duties in the aforesaid Church, without trouble or molestation. If your majesty will consent to this, I am prepared to serve you with all obedience as my beloved lord and sovereign, as far as lies in my power SAVING THE HONOUR OF GOD AND OF THE ROMAN CHURCH, AND MY OWN ORDER. But if you will not do these things, know for a certainty that you shall feel the severity of God’s vengeance! ~From a letter to King Henry II by Saint Thomas Becket

Prayer:
Saint Thomas Becket, you lived much of your life in a worldly pompous way, but upon being consecrated a bishop, you turned to a life of prayer, penance, and defense of the Church. Please pray for me, that I will also turn from all worldly attractions and will devote myself wholeheartedly to the service of God and His Church. Saint Thomas Becket, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

Source of content: mycatholic.life
Copyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Public domain via Wikimedia