Click beow for the video of the Memorial Mass of Saint Thomas Becket in Westminster Cathredral
The observance of Saint Thomas Becket (1118–1170) on December 29 2025, honours the former Archbishop of Canterbury, who was tragically murdered in Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170. At the age of thirty-six, Thomas Becket was appointed Chancellor of England by King Henry II, establishing a significant professional relationship.
Thomas Becket, also referred to as Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Thomas of London, and later as Thomas à Becket, was an influential English cleric and government official born on 21 December 1119 or 1120, and he passed away on 29 December 1170. He held the position of Lord Chancellor from 1155 to 1162 and subsequently served as the Archbishop of Canterbury until his death. He is widely recognized for his significant involvement in a longstanding conflict with King Henry II regarding the rights and privileges of the Church. His death occurred within Canterbury Cathedral, where he was assassinated by individuals loyal to the king.
In June 1170, Archbishop Roger de Pont L’Évêque of York presided over the coronation of Henry II’s son, Henry the Young King, at Westminster Abbey, in the presence of Bishop Gilbert Foliot of London and Bishop Josceline de Bohon of Salisbury. This event represented a challenge to the longstanding ecclesiastical privilege traditionally held by Canterbury regarding royal coronations. Consequently, in November 1170, Lord Chancellor Thomas Becket issued excommunications against the three bishops who were aligned with the royal family.
Following reports of Becket’s disciplinary actions, King Henry II is believed to have made remarks that were interpreted by his associates as a desire for Becket’s removal. The precise phrasing of the king’s words remains uncertain, with several versions documented. The most frequently cited, originating from oral tradition in 1740, is “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?”
However, according to a contemporary Latin account by biographer, Edwin Grim, an eyewtness to the murder of Thomas Becket states that Henry II utteredd these words “What miserable drones and traitors have I nourished and brought up in my household, who let their lord be treated with such shameful contempt by a low-born cleric?”
In June 1170, Roger de Pont L’Évêque, Archbishop of York, presided over the coronation of Henry II’s son, Henry the Young King, at Westminster Abbey. Joining him were Gilbert Foliot, Bishop of London, and Josceline de Bohon, Bishop of Salisbury. This event represented a significant challenge to the longstanding tradition of Canterbury’s exclusive privilege regarding royal coronations. Consequently, in November 1170, Thomas Becket issued excommunications against the three bishops who supported the king’s interests. Tragically, Thomas Becket’s life was ultimately taken when he was assassinated within Canterbury Cathedral.
Although the wording may vary, the remark was generally understood as a directive of significant authority. Subsequently, four individuals—Reginald FitzUrse, Hugh de Morville, William de Tracy, and Richard le Breton—traveled to Canterbury to meet with Archbishop Becket.
On December 29, 1170, the group arrived at the cathedral. According to reports from Gervase of Canterbury and the eyewitness Grim, the knights initially left their weapons and armor outside the cathedral gates before entering to request an audience with Becket. They sought to discuss his recent actions and urged him to accompany them to Winchester for clarification. However, Becket respectfully declined to leave the cathedral. When their request was not granted, the knights re-entered the cathedral with their weapons.
Meanwhile, Becket continued with the vespers service. The other monks attempted to secure themselves inside for their safety; however, Becket respectfully requested that they open the doors again, emphasizing, “It is not appropriate to turn the house of prayer into a fortress.
Thomas Becket was canonised by Pope Alexander III two years following his death. He is honoured as a saint and martyr within the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.
Click below to watch the Catholic Mass of St Thomas à Beckett In Westminster Cathedral that took place on 29th December 2025