LOLSaints

If I sit RLY RLY still, do u think they'll go away?

One of my most favorite saints because he's just super duper uber cool to the infinity, St. Thomas More lived in a time when England was on the verge of breaking away from the Holy See. He was a brilliant, intelligent lawyer, as just as he was pious. He was the first layperson to be Lord Chancellor of England, yet in three years, he would resign from his office, unwilling to be unfaithful to Holy Mother Church. Instead of recognizing Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, he left his office and retreated into a life of meager income with his family.

But being the king's close confidante, Thomas More's opinion and approval mattered very much to the king that he wouldn't leave the poor man alone. More's silence regarding the King's divorce to Queen Catherine of Aragon and subsequent marriage to Anne Boleyn, resounded more than any condemnation ever could. Moreover, he refused to recognize the king's authority in spiritual matters. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London, and, a few days after his fellow countryman St. John Fisher was martyred, was sentenced to die for the crime of high treason. He died on July 6, 1535. Among his famous last words were, "I die the King's good servant, and God's first."

The Patron Saint of Statesmen and Politicians, St. Thomas More's feast day is celebrated on July June 22 with St. John Fisher and St. Paulinus of Nola.

Read more about this truly inspiring saint here and here.

[Also, if you haven't already, go check out the book / film "A Man for All Seasons" - it's well worth your time! — Ed.]