The Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council recently marked the feast day of its Patron Saint, St. Thomas More, for the first time. Sir Thomas More who lived between 1478 and 1535 was a lawyer, scholar, statesman, and Lord Chancellor to Henry VIII of England. St. Thomas More was executed in July 1535 for his refusal to endorse Henry’s break of the Church in England from the Catholic Church in Rome. Mr. Ugonna Ezeifedi, Chairman, Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council in this interview with the Editor, NETA NWOSU, speaks on life of St. Thomas More, why he is a Patron Saint of the Laity, his personality features, the feast day celebration impact on the Archdiocesan Laity Council and the lay faithful among other matters.
Congratulations on the successful Laity Patron Saint feast day celebration. How did St. Thomas More Feast Day celebration go? What were the highlights of the ceremony?
The celebration of the Feast of St. Thomas More went well. The celebration started with a Holy Mass with His Grace, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of Lagos as the Chief celebrant, ably represented by Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Very Rev. Msgr. Anthony Obanla. The Mass was well attended by lay faithful of the Archdiocese, drawn from Deaneries, Organizations, Societies and Associations. The highlights of the celebrations included the lay faithful turning out in various colourful cultural attires and traditional display, varieties of local delicacies, award recognition of couples wedded in the Catholic and are still living together for over 30years, cutting of the feast cake, amid a number of activities.
Why did the Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council celebrate this day? What message is the Archdiocesan Laity Council passing across through this celebration?
Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council, decided to celebrate the feast because, such has not happened in the history of laity council in Lagos Archdiocese. So this is the maiden edition. Also, the celebration was put together to remember and recognise our Patron saint, St. Thomas More who as a layman, put up everything he had, including his life as a leader to defend the Church of God. It is also to remind the various leaders of all the lay groups functioning in the Church to emulate St. Thomas More by always saying and standing by the truth, even when it is life threatening. There is always a reward for every action, whether good or bad.
How will this feast day celebration impact on the Archdiocesan Laity Council and the lay faithful?
The impact of this feast day celebration on the Archdiocesan Laity Council and the lay faithful is to remind us not to be afraid as we carry out our obligations as leaders and followers of our Lord Jesus Christ who has told us not to be afraid in the book of Isaiah 41:10 and he says “So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand ” This is exactly what St. Thomas More did that has earned him this exotic recognition by the Church. Meaning that all our services here on earth, has a reward unquantifiable.
Please share the story of St. Thomas More? What does he represent?
On the story of St. Thomas More, this is one too many. This has to do with his early life and career, career as king’s servant, years as Chancellor of England Wolsey and More’s indictment, trial, execution and Legacy. All these have to do with resistance and profound relationship with people.
Why is St. Thomas More a Patron Saint of the Laity?
St Thomas More is a patron saint of the Laity because the lives of saints are meant to inspire and encourage us in our spiritual walk. We are to look up to them as examples of how to live out the faith, especially in times of great difficulty and trials. As leaders, we should look up to him as a defender of truth, a speaker of truth and a promoter of truth.
Why is St. Thomas More important to the Church?
St Thomas More is important to the Church because he was peaceful. He was a talented statesman, a gifted orator, a loving husband and father. A well formed and informed Christian and highly intelligent. His prudence, temperance, justice and finally, his marvelous fortitude were exhibited in his exemplary life. Like Socrates, he refused to be led by the opinion of the crowd and such move is called magnanimity. Always, he is remembered as a man of tremendous integrity. He was resilient, determined and courageous, and indeed was a beacon of light.
What are the key personality features of St. Thomas More that are worth emulating?
Some key personality features of St. Thomas More worthy of emulating includes Honesty, kindness and Wittiness. A man who rose from being a Sheriff of London to Lord High Chancellor (the highest post in the kingdom) before being sent to jail and executed for obeying his conscience rather than the King.
