St. Thomas Becket, Bishop of Canterbury, Martyr

St. Thomas Becket (1118-1170) was the Archbishop of Canterbury and a martyr of the Catholic Church. Born in London, he served as Lord Chancellor to King Henry II before being appointed as Archbishop. Becket and the king soon clashed over the separation of church and state, leading to Becket's murder in Canterbury Cathedral. He is venerated for his defense of the Church's independence and his willingness to sacrifice his life for his principles. St. Thomas Becket is the patron saint of secular clergy and pastors.