The Collect
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst strengthen thy blessed martyr Thomas with the virtue of constancy in faith and truth: Grant us in like manner for love of thee to despise the prosperity of this world, and to fear none of its adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Readings: (2 Esdras ii. 42; St. Matt x. 16)
Thomas Becket was born in 1118 of a merchant family. He studied in London and Paris, entered the service of Archbishop Theobald of Canterbury, becoming Lord Chancellor under King Henry II in 1155, and in 1162 Archbishop of Canterbury. He initiated a fearless struggle against the king for the freedom of the Church and the inviolability of ecclesiastical property, occasioning his imprisonment, exile, and finally martyrdom on December 29, 1170.
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