St. Thomas More

St. Thomas More was a 16th-century English lawyer, statesman, and author known for his integrity, moral courage, and his refusal to compromise his faith under pressure from King Henry VIII. He was canonized in 1935.

Thomas More was born on February 7, 1478, in London, England. Raised in a devout Catholic family, he was educated at Oxford University and later trained in law at Lincoln’s Inn. From early in his life, More displayed a sharp intellect, a passion for learning, and a strong spiritual foundation, contemplating a monastic life before deciding on marriage and public service. His legal and political acumen earned him the respect of peers and monarchs alike, eventually leading to his appointment as Lord Chancellor of England under King Henry VIII in 1529.

More’s most famous written work, Utopia, published in 1516, presented a visionary and philosophical dialogue about an ideal society on an imaginary island. Through this work, he explored themes such as justice, equality, and the balance between authority and individual liberty. Though the book was fictional, it reflected More’s humanist values and deep concern for ethical governance and social justice.

As Lord Chancellor, More was committed to justice and known for his incorruptibility. However, his moral and religious principles eventually brought him into conflict with King Henry VIII. When the king sought to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon in order to marry Anne Boleyn, and subsequently declared himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England, More refused to support these actions. He resigned from his position in 1532, retreating from public life but remaining firm in his beliefs.

His refusal to take the Oath of Supremacy, which recognized the king’s authority over the Church, was deemed an act of treason. After a lengthy imprisonment in the Tower of London, More was tried and convicted based on questionable testimony. On July 6, 1535, he was executed by beheading. His last words have become legendary: “I die the King’s good servant, but God’s first.”

Though controversial in his time, More was later revered as a martyr and symbol of conscience. In 1935, Pope Pius XI canonized him, recognizing his spiritual steadfastness and sacrifice. In 2000, Pope John Paul II named him the patron saint of politicians and statesmen, honoring his dedication to justice and faith even in the face of death.

More’s legacy continues to inspire those who value integrity, ethical leadership, and the courage to stand by one’s beliefs. His life has been immortalized in literature, including Robert Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons, which brought his story to global audiences. Despite the centuries that have passed, Thomas More remains a timeless example of moral fortitude and principled resistance against tyranny.

Feast Day

22-6-

Birth Date

7-2-1478

Died Date

6-7-1535

Canonised Date

19-5-1935

St Peter ad Vincula, Tower of London, England

St. Thomas More, Martyr for truth and justice, Pray for us to stand firm in our faith. Help us to follow God’s will with courage And remain true to our convictions. Amen.
ST. THOMAS MORE

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ST. THOMAS MORE

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