Memorial Day: December 29

When did Saint Thomas Becket live: 1118 - 1170

BIOGRAPHY:
Saint Thomas Becket was born in 1118 in London and rose to power as Lord Chancellor of England due to his close relationship with King Henry II. In 1162, he was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury and changed his way of life, devoting himself entirely to the Church. This led to serious conflicts with the king, as Becket opposed his interference in ecclesiastical matters. Due to ongoing tensions, he was forced into exile in France but returned to England in 1170. Shortly after, he was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by four knights acting on the king's orders. He was canonized in 1173, and his tomb became a major pilgrimage site.

PATRONAGE:
St. Thomas Becket is the patron saint of priests, clerics, the Diocese of Portsmouth, and the city of Exeter. He is also invoked against head diseases.

SYMBOLISM, DEPICTION:
The symbols of Saint Thomas Becket are the sword, representing his martyrdom, the bishop's staff, signifying his ecclesiastical authority, and the book, symbolizing his wisdom and education.

PATRON SAINT OF:
Thomas, Tom, Tomas, Tommy, Thom, Tomás, Tommaso, Tomaso, Tomasz, Tamás, Tomislav, Thoma, Thomé, Tomi, Tomo, Tomé, Toma, Tomassino, Tómas, ?????.

The wooden figure of St. Thomas Becket depicts him as a bishop wearing opulent liturgical vestments. In his right hand, he raises a golden bishop's staff, while in his left, he holds an open book with a sword resting on it. His facial expression conveys determination and passion. His bishop's mitre is adorned with golden details.