THOMAS MORE, PATRON OF LAWYERS AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS (1535)
THIRD ORDER
Thomas More was a lawyer whose services, though constantly in demand, were always tempered with attendance at daily Eucharist and other pious practices. Around 1498, he became a member of the Third Order. As a father, he was concerned that his children grow up in a Christian atmosphere.
Beginning in 1518, Thomas was Henry VIII’s Chancellor for eleven years, and he became known and respected throughout Europe. When Henry sought divorce, remarriage to Anne Boleyn, and Parliamentary designation as Head of the Church in England in the Act of Supremacy, Thomas resigned.
Unable to swear to the Act, Thomas was imprisoned in the Tower for fifteen months and then beheaded after being condemned on perjured evidence.
Collect: God of love, who gave your servant Thomas More a gentleness of spirit and a firmness of faith: Strengthen us in holding to your truth that at the last, we may ever live and love together with all your saints in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Word From the Wise 