St. Thomas More was an enormously successful lawyer, diplomat, statesman and writer in the 16th century. This courageous saint was beheaded for standing up for his religious beliefs against the English rule. He lived – and gave his life – for the truth.
St. Thomas More was indicted for high treason and executed for speaking out against the divorce and remarriage of King Henry VIII and the King’s intention to take control of the Church in England.
For the 75th anniversary of his canonization and the tenth anniversary of Pope John Paul II proclaiming St. Thomas More as the patron of statesmen, politicians and lawyers, the Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania have issued a special statement to mark the occasion on October 31, 2010.
The Pennsylvania Catholic Bishops believe that St. Thomas More “provides a powerful example that not only shows that objective truth exists, but that we have the God-given ability to discern it. He stands as an example showing all statesmen, politicians and lawyers – indeed all of us – that we have an obligation to find and to serve the truth and to work to protect the lives and fundamental dignity of all human beings.”
The Bishops’ statement proposes, “St. Thomas More as a model for all citizens … because of his outstanding virtues and his refusal to bend his conscience no matter what inducements were offered or threats were made. St. Thomas More’s moral integrity truly made him a man for all seasons, and most especially for Americans in the 21st century.”
Read the Bishops’ statement online or download a printer friendly version.
