Becket

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House Colour: Green

ST THOMAS BECKET

Dates: 1118 – 1170
Feast Day: 29th December 

Historical Context & Story:

Thomas Becket, the son of a wealthy Norman merchant who studied law, served as Lord Chancellor of England and became King Henry II’s closest friend. Although initially showing little devotion to religious life and siding with the Crown in disputes with the clergy, Becket underwent a radical conversion when Henry appointed him Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162 to help control the Church. He promptly resigned as Chancellor and fiercely defended the Church’s freedom against royal overreach, leading to a bitter quarrel that forced him into six years of exile in France. Upon his return in 1170, he further defied the King on Christmas Day by excommunicating several bishops and barons. Incensed by Henry’s famous outburst, "Who will rid me of this troublesome priest?", four knights murdered Becket inside Canterbury Cathedral on 29 December 1170.

Saintly Charisms:

• Uncompromising Integrity: Refusing moral compromise under heavy pressure.
• Radical Conversion:** Shifting from personal ambition to selfless devotion.
• Fortitude / Holy Fearlessness: Standing firm in the face of physical danger.
• Zeal for Divine Justice: Defending conscience against political oppression.

Quotes for Young People:

"Better are the blows of a friend than the false kisses of an enemy."

"For the name of Jesus and the protection of the Church, I am ready to embrace death."

"Remember the salvation of your soul, fear God, and keep His commandments."

Further Reading:

https://ewtn.co.uk/article-st-thomas-becket-2/ 

https://www.heritage-history.com/index.php?c=read&author=lord&book=canterbury&story=becket 

St Teresa of Kolkata

Dates: 1910 - 1997
Feast Day: 5th September

Historical Context & Story: 

An Albanian nun teaching in Kolkata who received a "call within a call" to serve the poorest of the poor. She founded the Missionaries of Charity, cradling abandoned infants, picking up the dying off the streets, and serving with a smile despite experiencing decades of personal spiritual darkness.

Saintly Charisms:

- Radical Mercy & Compassion: Seeing the face of God in the sick and rejected.
- Restoration of Human Dignity: Treating every outcast as infinitely valuable.
- Radical Poverty: Owning nothing to be completely free to love.
- Heroic Faithfulness: Persevering in duty.

Quotes for Young People:

"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them."

"Peace begins with a smile."

Further Reading:

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/saints/teresa-of-calcutta-13641

https://www.motherteresa.org/mother-teresa