St. Thomas More

St. Thomas More

Thomas More was a husband, father and lawyer who served as Lord Chancellor of England.

Life
1478–1535
Canonized
1935

Life and vocation

Born in London, he combined public duties with scholarship and close attention to his children’s education. He resigned as chancellor as Henry VIII asserted control over the Church in England.

Faith in action

Imprisoned for refusing the oath recognizing the king’s spiritual supremacy, he was executed in 1535. The Church honors him as a martyr. His life raises enduring questions about conscience, public responsibility and the limits of political power.

For readers in the United States

For readers in the United States, this collection includes Elizabeth Ann Seton and Kateri Tekakwitha alongside saints from other parts of the world. Follow the United States calendar for local observances.

This biography is not a liturgical reading. For the observances in your area, consult the local calendar and your diocese.

Explore the local liturgical calendar →Daily Catholic Quotes →

Sources and further reading

Sources checked:

Image credit

Hans Holbein the Younger · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain. Images resized for this page; social previews are cropped and include text.

Related saints

Carry a little inspiration into your day

Read Bible verses and words from the saints in Catholic Daily.