The Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, Pope Leo’s representative to the Holy See in Great Britain, presided over a significant Catholic liturgical celebration at Canterbury Cathedral to commemorate the translation of St. Thomas of Canterbury.
St. Thomas Becket served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his martyrdom in 1170. His death resulted from a confrontation with King Henry II over ecclesiastical rights and privileges. Recognized as a saint and martyr within both the Church of England and the Catholic Church, he was canonized shortly after his passing by Pope Alexander III in 1173.
In the year 1220, the remains of Saint Thomas Becket were transferred from their initial burial site within the cathedral’s crypt to the shrine situated behind the high altar. These relics remained there until 1538, when King Henry VIII issued an edict for the destruction of the crypt. Each year on July 7th, the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury Cathedral grant permission to the Catholic Parish of St. Thomas of Canterbury to conduct a Mass in honor of Saint Thomas Becket.
The glittering shrine containing his bones in Canterbury Cathedral – which had become a centre of pilgrimage as popular as Rocamadour, Assisi and Santiago de Compostela – was stripped of its gold and jewels and destroyed. The treasures were carried off in two huge chests requiring six men to carry each. The story goes that King Henry had a huge ruby (the gift of the French king Louis VII at the shrine in 1179) made into a thumb-ring which he wore openly.
While numerous Catholic Masses have been conducted within this historic Anglican cathedral, this occasion marked a notable milestone: the first time a papal nuncio celebrated Mass on this sacred site. The event is further distinguished by the historical association of a papal legate being present during the original translation of the saint’s relics.
During his homily on the feast of the translation, Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía remarked:
“This Mass, conducted during the Jubilee Year, highlights the Christian journey as one rooted in faith and hope. It serves as a reminder that, as we navigate life’s challenges and blessings, our hope remains firmly grounded in Christ. Today, as members of the faithful, we honor a significant historical figure whose life and martyrdom continue to inspire us. The stained glass windows surrounding us depict miracles attributed to St. Thomas during the medieval era, exemplifying that this is a living tradition. In our modern world which also encounters its own difficulties, we are called to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ inspired by St. Thomas’ steadfast witness to Christ and His Church.
The stained glass windows surrounding us depict miracles attributed to St. Thomas during the medieval era, exemplifying that this is a living tradition. In our modern world, which also encounters its own difficulties, we are called to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ inspired by St. Thomas’ steadfast witness to Christ and His Church.
