Saint Thomas More
St. Thomas More, martyr, is the patron saint of the Diocese of Arlington. He is also the patron saint of statesmen, politicians and lawyers. His feast day is June 22nd. The Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington, Virginia is named in his honor.
“Thomas More is more important at this moment than at any moment since his death, even perhaps the great moment of his dying; but he is not quite so important as he will be in about a hundred years’ time." —G.K. Chesterton, 1929
Biography
- 1478 – Born in London of a respectable family, Thomas was placed in the service of the Archbishop of Canterbury, John Morton, Lord Chancellor of the Realm. He later studied law at Oxford and London.
- 1504 – Thomas was elected to Parliament for the first time under King Henry VII.
- 1529 – He was appointed by the King to the post of Lord Chancellor. The first layman to occupy this position, Thomas faced an extremely difficult period, as he sought to serve King and country.
- 1532 – Not wishing to support Henry VIII’s intention to take control of the Church in England, he resigned. The king had him imprisoned in the Tower of London, but Thomas refused to take the oath requested of him. Condemned by the Court, he was beheaded.
Credit
Litany of Saint Thomas More (Download)
V. Lord, have mercy
R. Lord have mercy
V. Christ, have mercy
R. Christ have mercy
V. Lord, have mercy
R. Lord have mercy
V. Christ hear us
R. Christ, graciously hear us
V. St. Thomas More, Saint and Martyr, R. Pray for us (Repeat after each invocation)
St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians and Lawyers
St. Thomas More, Patron of Justices, Judges and Magistrates
St. Thomas More, Model of Integrity and Virtue in Public and Private Life
St. Thomas More, Servant of the Word of God and the Body and Blood of Christ
St. Thomas More, Model of Holiness in the Sacrament of Marriage
St. Thomas More, Teacher of his Children in the Catholic Faith
St. Thomas More, Defender of the Weak and the Poor
St. Thomas More, Promoter of Human Life and Dignity
V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world
R. Spare us O Lord
V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world
R. Graciously hear us O Lord
V. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world
R. Have mercy on us
Let us pray:
O Glorious St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, your life of prayer and penance and your zeal for justice, integrity and firm principle in public and family life led you to the path of martyrdom and sainthood. Intercede for our Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, that they may be courageous and effective in their defense and promotion of the sanctity of human life—the foundation of all other human rights. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
