Near this spot, in Cheapside, Thomas Becket was born on the 21st of December, 1118 .
The Saint was raised in a middle class family. When Thomas was ten, he began his studies in civil and canon law at the Merton Priory, in Surrey. Around ten years later, he studied theology in Paris. Back in England, Thomas started working for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Theobald of Bec, who, impressed by his ability and sagacity, commissioned him several missions in Rome. Also the Archbishop sent him to Bologna and Auxerre to study canon law.
By 1154, Thomas Becket was named Archdeacon of Canterbury. King Henry II, who was really happy with Thomas's work, sent his son Henry to live with Becket.
Henry reported against Becket in the Grand Council in Northampton on the 8th of October of 1164. After three years, in June, the archbishop of York and the bishop of London and Salisbury crowned Henry the Young King. Thomas Becket excommunicated all three.
It seemed that the King said a few words that his men interpreted as a wishing and a royal command: "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?" and "it is desirable that disappears Becket".
Reginald Fitzurse, Hugo de Morville, William Tracy, and Richard Brito killed Thomas Becket on Tuesday 29th of December, 1170, in the atrium of the Cathedral of Canterbury while attending Vespers with the monastic community.
Just three years later, in 1173, he was canonized by Alexander III. On the 12th of July of 1174 Henry II had to make public penance at the tomb of his enemy, who became one of the most important destinations for pilgrimage in England.
Just three years later, in 1173, he was canonized by Alexander III. On the 12th of July of 1174 Henry II had to make public penance at the tomb of his enemy, who became one of the most important destinations for pilgrimage in England.
 |
| The perpetual Lit Candle to St. Thomas a Becket |
 |
| Sculpture overhangs the spot where he was cut down |
No comments:
Post a Comment