Thomas Becket
Saint Thomas Becket is the patron saint of secular clergy and religious freedom. Thomas Becket was the archdeacon of Canterbury and royal chancellor to King Henry II where he lived lavishly in the court. Once appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, things changed and he renounced his wealth and quickly lost favor with the king because he refused to accept the authority of the state over clergy and strongly defended the church's independence. The king at one point cried out in rage for someone to rid him of this troublesome priest and four knights took his words as a wish and martyred Thomas. The king regretted what had happened and performed public penance. His feast day is December 29th. Buy a pendant or add on a chain to make it a necklace. Get St. Thomas Becket medals in either sterling silver, gold-filled or 14kt solid gold all made in the USA and with lifetime guarantees.