Our Rich History is Inspired by our Patron, St. Thomas More
Sir Thomas More, remembered as the patron saint of Catholic lawyers and politicians, was a figure of honor, integrity, erudition, and piety that inspired our organization’s creation. His life is carefully interwoven with duty to family, church, and state. His example represents the epitome of Christian discipleship amid the worldly tumult of political power. More’s career initially flourished under King Henry VIII. More ascended to become Lord Chancellor of the Realm: a position of unparalleled influence, save for the king himself. Yet, amidst the opulence of political life, More’s Catholic faith remained unassailable.
A man of exceptional intellect and wit, More was a gifted writer, scholar, and a virtuous steward of justice, imbuing his legal and judicial duties with ethical principles and moral fortitude. His contributions to literature, like the popularly speculated “Utopia,” show a glimpse into a quintessential mind with the moral questions of his day and advocate for justice, equity, and the common good.
However, it is More’s unbreakable faith, even in the face of death, that cements his legacy. His refusal to acknowledge Henry VIII as the supreme head of the Church of England, a stance that defied the Act of Supremacy, was his profound devotion to God above all worldly powers. This principled stand led More to the scaffold on Tower Hill on July 6, 1535. Embracing his martyrdom with his parting words, More stated, “I die the King’s good servant, and God’s first.”
In these words, More articulated the essence of Christian fidelity and laid a blueprint for courageously living one’s faith in the world. His life and martyrdom are a call of Christian discipleship, challenging each of us to serve God first. We must engage with the world–not for personal glory or gain–but as stewards of the Gospel’s promise. St. Thomas More’s sacrifice, thus, illuminates the path for all Christians called to be shepherds in our daily labors — the leaven in the world.