More

Text

House Colour: Sky Blue

Dates: 1478 – 1535
Feast Day: 22nd June

Historical Context & Story:

Born in London on 7 February 1478, Thomas More was the son of a successful lawyer who studied at Oxford and qualified as a brilliant lawyer, having also spent time in the household of Archbishop John Morton and contemplated becoming a monk. Renowned for his wit, family devotion, and passionate defence of Catholic orthodoxy, More was a celebrated author whose most famous work, Utopia, spawned an entire literary genre. He rose to become Lord Chancellor of England as well as King Henry VIII’s secretary, chief diplomat, advisor, and confidant. However, when Henry declared himself head of the Church of England and demanded an oath of religious supremacy, More resigned his post and refused to acknowledge the King's claim. Although More offered to remain silent about his views, Henry feared his moral authority would influence others. Trapped by state corruption, More was tried for treason at Westminster and executed on Tower Hill on 6 July 1535, famously declaring that he died "the King's good servant, but God's first."

Saintly Charisms:

- Primacy of Conscience: Placing eternal truth above status and wealth.
- Holy Wit & Good Humor: Using humor to maintain cheerfulness in dark times.
- Domestic Holiness: Showing that everyday family and work life can be holy.
                                                                  - Prudence & Legal Wisdom: Exercising careful thought in ethical dilemmas.

Quotes for Young People:

"I die the King's good servant, but God's first."

"You must not abandon the ship in a storm because you cannot control the winds."

"Things cannot be well until all men are good, which I think will not be this many years.”

"Little choices made every day reveal who we truly are."

Further Reading

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/saints/thomas-more-787

https://ewtn.co.uk/article-st-thomas-more-was-the-kings-good-servant-but-gods-first/

https://www.luminarium.org/renlit/morebib.htm

st carlo acutis

Dates: 1991 – 2006
Feast Day: 12th october

historical context & story:

A modern teenager from Milan who loved PlayStation, coding, and football. Carlo built a website cataloging Eucharistic miracles across the world to help people discover God. He defended bullied classmates and bought sleeping bags for the homeless. Diagnosed with leukemia at 15, he offered up his suffering with peaceful joy.

saintly charisms:

- Digital Evangelization: Using modern technology and media to spread goodness.
- Eucharistic Centredness: Finding strength and joy in daily prayer and Mass.
- Practical Peer Kindness: Defending the bullied and comforting the lonely.
- Joyful Acceptance of Suffering: Facing illness with profound trust and maturity.

quotes for young people:

“All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies."

"The Eucharist is my highway to heaven."

"To always be close to Jesus, this is my life plan."

"Sadness is looking at oneself; happiness is looking towards God."

further reading:

https://ewtnmission.com/seasonsandfeastdays/saintcarloacutis/

https://www.carloacutis.com/en/association/chiecarloacutis