Christian Men and Women

Saint Thomas More

Thomas (7 February 1478 - 6 July 1535) was an English lawyer, author, and statesman. He was said to be a cheerful man, who enjoyed the company of his many friends. He did not believe that holy people had to remain by themselves or be very serious. Thomas had a large family, raised many children and adopted seven children. He was a very forward thinking man and at a time, when many believed that girls should not be educated, he insisted that his own daughters were as well educated as his boys.

Thomas realized that not everyone would always agree with his beliefs and thoughts. He advised his friends to handle conflict as gently as possible. He also said that if you could not make everything right than you must make as little wrong as possible. Thomas was beheaded in 1535 by Henry VIII because of his strong Christian beliefs. This made him a martyr (a martyr is someone who is killed because of their religious beliefs). Thomas More is the patron saint of lawyers.

Some of the virtues that Thomas demonstrated throughout his life include Prudence, Justice, Restraint (Temperance), Courage (Fortitude) and Faith.