Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162, was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by followers of King Henry II of England on the Fifth Day of Christmas, 29 December 1170.Canonised in 1173, the cult of St Thomas Becket became very popular. He was named Patron Saint of the Hospitallers of St Thomas of Canterbury at Acre on their establishment in 1191, during the Third Crusade.
Becket's adopted coat of arms shows three choughs, a variety of crow having red beak and legs. In heraldry these birds are sometimes known as "beckits". Apparently the chough was a popular symbol of his resistance to the King.
further reading: "Heraldry associated with the martyrdom of Archbishop Thomas Becket" by Humphery-Smith, C R, in 'Coat of Arms' (1971), vol.12, no. 85, pp. 18-28
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The next meeting of the Chapel of St Peter is to be held on the morning of
Saturday 17th January 2009
at Hawthorn Masonic Centre, Lower Mitcham.
Lunch afterwards at the Torrens Arms
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With Seasonal Greetings to all ...
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Becket's sermon for Christmas Day, 1170 (from Murder in the Cathedral)
The Becket panel at Wymondham Abbey
A hymn for the Feast of St Thomas of Canterbury
Eyewitness account of the murder
Mediaeval images of the Becket story
Reflections for the Twelve Days of Christmas
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The RW Grand Preceptor of the Province of Australia and New Zealand, Sir Kent of Geelong had the honour of Knight Caritas bestowed by the Most Worthy Grand Master at the Grand Council held in England on 29th December 2008.
HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS !
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