St Thomas of Canterbury: Anniversary Year
2020 will be remembered for so much and not all of it joyful. Yet, in our worries about the present, how we look to the future is helped by remembering the past. The modern-day Christian faith looks back with fondness at the stirring stories of faith and fidelity that serve as a pattern for our lives in the twenty-first century.
One such story is that of one of our diocesan co-patrons, St Thomas of Canterbury (also known as St Thomas Becket) who became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162 at the instigation of his close friend, King Henry II.
Accepting the See of Canterbury with considerable reluctance and knowing a break in friendship with the King to be inevitable, he defended stoutly the interests and independence of the Church. Forced into exile, Thomas returned to England on 30 November 1170, where he was received with popular enthusiasm.
Very soon, however, his relations with Henry deteriorated. The King uttered some words in a fit of rage which was enough to inspire four knights to make their way to Canterbury in revenge. Thomas Becket was murdered in his Cathedral in the late afternoon of 29 December 1170.
The martyrdom provoked great indignation and outrage throughout Europe. Miracles were reported at Thomas’ tomb, and a widespread devotion rapidly spread. Thomas was canonised by Pope Alexander III on 21 February 1173 and 12 July 1174 King Henry II did public penance at the shrine.
Soon Canterbury became one of the major centres of Pilgrimage in Christendom, his relics were moved (translated) to a new site at the Cathedral in 1220. Thomas’ shrine was at the centre of great devotion and much prayer until its destruction in 1538 under King Henry VIII.
Some relics from the original shrine in Canterbury Cathedral fortunately survived. They can be seen in the Martyrs’ Chapel at the church of St Thomas of Canterbury in Canterbury -which was dedicated as a diocesan shrine on 16 November 2019 by Archbishop John.
Free Video Rental: To Be A Pilgrim
So much of what was planned to celebrate the 850 year anniversary of St Thomas’ martyrdom and the 800 year anniversary of the Translation has not been able to go ahead. To mark this event in someway, particularly on his feast day 29 December, we are delighted to offer you a free rental of the video To Be A Pilgrim by St Anthony Communications. To get the free rental, click on the button below and then click on ‘Rent’ followed by ‘Apply promo code’ and enter PILGRIM20. Thanks to Christian Holden for his generosity in providing for this free rental which will last until 31 December 2020.
Becket 2020
The major events around the Cathedral in Canterbury for Becket 2020 have been postponed until 2021. If you are interested in finding out more about all of the events across Canterbury go to Becket 2020 celebration. Please also consider making a trip to the new diocesan shrine in Canterbury where you will find relics of St Thomas (as well as those of St Oscar Romero) in the Martyrs chapel.
Let Us Pray
O God, who gave the Martyr Saint Thomas Becket the courage to give up his life for the sake of justice, grant, through his intercession, that, renouncing our life for the sake of Christ in this world, we may find it in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.