Tomás Moro: A saint for all circumstances, 90 years after his canonization

On the 90th anniversary of his canonization, Tomás Moro continues to illuminate as an example of integrity, courage and fidelity to consciousness. Following his steps through the streets of England, Ewtn news rediscovered this man who was “good servant of the king, but of God first.”

Born on February 7, 1478 in Cheapside, in the heart of London, Tomás Moro was a son of the English capital in every way. The ancient tradition said that everyone who could hear the bells of the St. Mary Lebow church was a true London or “Cockney.” Just a few steps from there, in Milk Street, a plaque recalls: “Sir Tomás Moro was born in a house near this place on February 7, 1478”.

From a young age, his intelligence and virtue caught the attention of Mons. John Morton, Archbishop of Canterbury and future Cardinal, who decided to send him to the University of Oxford in 1492. There he began a path that would lead him to become one of the brightest minds of his time. In 1496 he was admitted in the Honorable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, one of the historic London lawyers associations.

His public career was meteoric: in 1510 he began to occupy positions of relevance until he was appointed by Enrique VIII of England as Lord Chancellor, “the most powerful man in England after the king.” But although he was on the cusp of power, his inner life was never neglected. In the London Cartuja he adopted a prayer and penance regime that he would maintain until the end of his life.

Moro built his home in Chelsea, where he lived happily with his wife, his daughters and his only son.

The humanistic philosopher, philologist and theologian Erasmus of Rotterdam did not hesitate to qualify the Moor as “an academy of Christian culture and life.” There, the children of Tomás learned Latin and Greek, theology, philosophy, logic, astronomy and mathematics. In his residence, music, arts and healthy humor were also promoted.

Everything would change in 1534. From home in Chelsea, Moro was called to the Lambeth Palace to swear the King’s supremacy over the Church. Firmly, although without explicit words, he refused. It was then sent to the Tower of London. Despite the confinement, those who visited him were surprised that he was as jovial in prison as in his home in Chelsea.

On July 1, 1535 he was convicted of betrayal in Westminster Hall. The plaque in the place still recalls: “Sir Tomás Moro, Lord Chancellor of England, president of the Lower House of Parliament, author of Utopia, was sentenced to death on July 1, 1535”.

On July 6, 1535, on the way to its execution in Tower Hill, Tomás Moro maintained his characteristic good humor. “When you go down, allow me to fix them myself as you can best,” he joked with the assistant who helped him get on the gallows.

He asked those present: “Read for me, and I will pray for you elsewhere.” He declared that he gave his life “for the faith of the Holy Catholic Church” and pronounced his immortal phrase: “I die being a good servant of the king, but of God first.”

Even at the last moment, his goodness did not decline. To the executioner he told Tenderness: “Leave your mood and not be afraid to fulfill your duty.” Before placing his head on the block, he pushed his beard to say: “Let me move it, lest the cuts.”

That same year, his friend and martyrdom partner, San Juan Fisher, was also executed. Four centuries later, both were canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 19, 1935.

San Juan Pablo II declared it in the year 2000 “Patron of rulers and politicians”, and is also invoked by lawyers, marriages in difficulty and adopted children. Its liturgical party is celebrated every June 22.

Ninety years after his canonization, Tomás Moro continues to teach the world that truth and consciousness have no price. His example remains alive as “a saint for all circumstances.”