St. Thomas Becket (1119–1170) is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury who was murdered in his own cathedral by four knights of King Henry II in 1170. He had been the king's close friend and chancellor before his election as archbishop, after which he fiercely defended the rights of the Church against royal interference. The Church celebrates St. Thomas Becket's feast on 12-29.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of St. Thomas Becket as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering St. Thomas Becket for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of St. Thomas Becket
Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury who was murdered in his own cathedral by four knights of King Henry II in 1170. He had been the king's close friend and chancellor before his election as archbishop, after which he fiercely defended the rights of the Church against royal interference. His martyrdom made Canterbury one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe.
The vocation of St. Thomas Becket reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and St. Thomas Becket's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Secular clergy, Arbroath Abbey
St. Thomas Becket is honored as the patron saint of Secular clergy, Arbroath Abbey. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Secular clergy have traditionally invoked St. Thomas Becket's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of St. Thomas Becket is grounded in the specific details of Becket's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor St. Thomas Becket in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor St. Thomas Becket and seek Becket's intercession:
On the Feast Day (12-29): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Becket's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Becket's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of St. Thomas Becket and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of St. Thomas Becket in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Becket, pray for us," draws Becket's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to St. Thomas Becket can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of St. Thomas Becket. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to St. Thomas Becket
O glorious St. Thomas Becket, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us St. Thomas Becket as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Becket's memory imitate Becket's virtues and one day share Becket's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Thomas Becket in Art and Catholic Tradition
St. Thomas Becket has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with St. Thomas Becket in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Becket's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Becket's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if St. Thomas Becket is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about St. Thomas Becket: Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, one of the greatest works of English literature, is framed as a pilgrimage to Becket's shrine at Canterbury Cathedral.
When praying before an image of St. Thomas Becket, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.