Welcome to our daily rosary meditation. Let's begin in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Amen. Let's call to mind all those we've promised to pray for.

Today is the Feast of St. Thomas Beckett, Martyr. Thomas lived in the 12th century in England.

He came from a wealthy merchant family, and his early life was marked by a pursuit of worldly pleasures and ambitions.

His charm, intelligence, and administrative abilities caught the eye of Theobald of Beck, Archbishop of Canterbury, who appointed him

Archdeacon of Canterbury and later recommended him to King Henry II. At 36 he was appointed Chancellor by King Henry the 2nd a position which made him the

second highest authority in the kingdom. During his tenure he lived a life of

luxury and indulgence and enjoying a close friendship with the king and they shared a love for hunting, feasting and drinking,

and military campaigns.

Beckett's worldly lifestyle, however, took a dramatic turn when he was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury

in 1162.

This position traditionally reserved for a deeply religious individual

conflicted with his luxurious life.

After his consecration, Beckett underwent a profound conversion and transformation.

He committed himself to a deep life of prayer, to pen penance and to upholding the duties of his office.

This change however led to a great conflict with King Henry, especially over the rights and privileges of the church.

The most significant point of contention was the constitutions of Clarodon, by which Henry sought

to have authority and power over the church, which Beckett opposed and spoke out against. Beckett's opposition led to

his exile in France for six years. Upon his return to England in 1170, tensions escalated, and in an outburst of rage,

King Henry made a rash statement wishing someone would get rid of Beckett.

Well, four nights looking for a way to gain the favor of King Henry, set out at once,

traveled to Canterbury and murdered Beckets in his own cathedral,

...