Beckett Essay Research Paper St Thomas Becket — страница 3

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the deaths of Master and servant that his early biographers were not slow to use. All Christendom was shocked. Henry was forced to do public penance for the murder of Thomas, including the construction of the monastery at Witham in Somerset. Thomas was not flawless; he was imperious and obstinate, ambitious and violent. The years of exile in France were a time of preparation for the final ordeal. Thomas was a martyr for Christ, most like to him in his death. The solemn translation of the relics to a new shrine behind the high altar took place in the year 1220. St. Thomas was a fearless champion of truth and righteousness, against wicked and unscrupulous men. Even the king made reparation and did penance at his shrine. He teaches us that we must be prepared to face persecution and

even death for our faith and for the rights of the Church against the state. In most European countries today the state is supreme–God and religion have no place. We are soldiers of Christ, confirmed and anointed with the holy chrism; let us be strong and fearless then in our endeavor.