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Thomas was educated and well mannered. He became a clerk in the service of Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury. He was ordained a deacon in 1154. When the young King Henry ll became King Thomas was appointed at the age of thirty-six,Chancellor. The King and Thomas became very good friends. Many decisions for England were not made, Till talked over with Thomas. In later years, after the death of Archbishop Theobald died in 1161 the friendship changed, dangerously. Thomas opposed many plans the king had for the church. In a course of many years, thomas was bannished,  his lands taxed, taken and kindsmen banished. On 20 December, 1170, during Vesper time, Soldiers came and ordered for the traitor St. Thomas then said it was he but was no traitor. They tried to drag him out of the abbey but ended up killing him inside. His cross bearer, Edward Grim, was wounded in the struggle.  St. Thomas was cannonized just 2 years after his death, by the Pope in 21 February, 1173. King Henry did public penance on 12 July, 1174 by being scourged at Thomas' tomb. There were many miracles attributed to him during the middle ages. Rumors say his tombe was detroyed in September, 1538 by King Henry VIII and some others believe his tomb was found in a crypt on January, 1888. For our sake [Christ] offered himself to the Father upon the altar for the cross. He now looks down from heaven on our actions and secret thoughts, and one day he will give each of us the reward his deeds deserve. ....from a letter by St. Thomas Beckett He is the Patron Saint of head wounds and those whom family members have been murdered, |
