Born in London in 1477, Thomas More followed in the footsteps of his father and became a lawyer.  Contrary to modern perceptions of this profession, Thomas strove for holiness in both his public and private life.  He spent hours in prayer and sought to raise his family in the faith.  

Professionally, Thomas rose in the English government.  For three years he held the post of lord chancellor, and he earned the esteem of his king, Henry VIII.  Yet although the saint was loyal to the king, he was loyal to God first.  

Henry VIII tried to obtain a divorce from his wife to marry another woman. When the pope refused, Henry installed himself as the head of the Church in England. He required everyone in government to swear an oath of allegiance to him.  

Thomas refused.  He insisted that he could not take an oath that required him to reject his faith.  He was sentenced to death.

On the scaffold before his execution, Thomas kissed his executioner on the cheek. Then he joked that his beard should not be cut off -- it had done nothing wrong.

He was martyred in 1535 at age fifty-seven.  Along with his friend, Bishop John Fisher, Pope Pius XI proclaimed Sir Thomas More a saint in 1935.  On October 31, 2000, Pope John Paul II also proclaimed St. Thomas More patron saint of politicians and statesmen. 

"Nothing can come but what God wills. And I am very sure that whatever that be, however bad it may seem, it shall indeed be the best."—St. Thomas More

Prayer for the intercession of St. Thomas More:

O Glorious St. Thomas More, Patron of Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, your life of prayer and penance and your zeal for justice, integrity and firm principle in public and family life led you to the path of martyrdom and sainthood. Intercede for our Statesmen, Politicians, Judges and Lawyers, that they may be courageous and effective in their defense and promotion of the sanctity of human life - the foundation of all other human rights. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN