Nearly five centuries after Thomas More’s death, his example of fidelity to conscience still speaks to the practice of law. Strength, patience, sound judgment, and compassion remain qualities worth cultivating in every case.
A brief biography
St. Thomas More (1478–1535) was an English lawyer, judge, author, member of Parliament, and eventually Lord Chancellor of England under King Henry VIII. He was known for his learning, strong conscience, and commitment to his Catholic faith.
He resigned as Lord Chancellor in 1532 rather than support Henry VIII’s efforts to take control of the Church in England. He was later imprisoned and executed in 1535. The Catholic Church canonized him as a saint in 1935.
He is especially associated with lawyers, judges, public officials, and people facing difficult moral decisions. In 2000, Pope John Paul II formally proclaimed him patron of statesmen and politicians.
The following prayer was created by my friend Linda Jeveret. Linda is not a lawyer, but she is a very good person. Her words express qualities that matter deeply in the practice of law: courage, compassion, patience, and faithfulness to conscience.
Prayer by Linda Jeveret
St. Thomas More, patron saint of lawyers, judges, and all who seek justice, pray for me as I prepare for the cases ahead.
Ask God to give me strength when I feel overwhelmed, patience when circumstances or people test me, and wisdom when the right course is difficult to see.
Help me to control my emotions, especially in moments of frustration, anger, pressure, or conflict. Give me a calm mind, a steady voice, and the grace to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Give me compassion for every person I encounter—my clients, opposing counsel, witnesses, judges, colleagues, and all whose lives are affected by the matters before me. Help me remember that behind every argument and every file is a human being carrying fears, burdens, and hopes of their own.
St. Thomas More, help me remain honest, courageous, fair, and faithful to my conscience. When I must be firm, let me be firm without cruelty. When I must fight, let me fight for what is right without allowing anger or pride to guide me.
Grant me clarity of thought, sound judgment, careful words, and the ability to listen. Help me separate what I can control from what I cannot, and give me peace when the outcome rests beyond my hands.
May I approach each upcoming case with confidence without arrogance, compassion without weakness, and determination without losing my humanity.
St. Thomas More, walk with me through the difficult days ahead. Pray that God will strengthen my heart, quiet my mind, guide my decisions, and help me use my abilities in the service of truth and justice.
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Thomas More got it right 500 years ago
Nearly five centuries after Thomas More’s death, his example of fidelity to conscience still speaks to the practice of law. Strength, patience, sound judgment, and compassion remain qualities worth cultivating in every case.
A brief biography
St. Thomas More (1478–1535) was an English lawyer, judge, author, member of Parliament, and eventually Lord Chancellor of England under King Henry VIII. He was known for his learning, strong conscience, and commitment to his Catholic faith.
He resigned as Lord Chancellor in 1532 rather than support Henry VIII’s efforts to take control of the Church in England. He was later imprisoned and executed in 1535. The Catholic Church canonized him as a saint in 1935.
He is especially associated with lawyers, judges, public officials, and people facing difficult moral decisions. In 2000, Pope John Paul II formally proclaimed him patron of statesmen and politicians.
Biographical sources: Vatican biography of Thomas More and Pope John Paul II’s proclamation of October 31, 2000.
A prayer for lawyers
The following prayer was created by my friend Linda Jeveret. Linda is not a lawyer, but she is a very good person. Her words express qualities that matter deeply in the practice of law: courage, compassion, patience, and faithfulness to conscience.
Prayer by Linda Jeveret
St. Thomas More, patron saint of lawyers, judges, and all who seek justice, pray for me as I prepare for the cases ahead.
Ask God to give me strength when I feel overwhelmed, patience when circumstances or people test me, and wisdom when the right course is difficult to see.
Help me to control my emotions, especially in moments of frustration, anger, pressure, or conflict. Give me a calm mind, a steady voice, and the grace to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Give me compassion for every person I encounter—my clients, opposing counsel, witnesses, judges, colleagues, and all whose lives are affected by the matters before me. Help me remember that behind every argument and every file is a human being carrying fears, burdens, and hopes of their own.
St. Thomas More, help me remain honest, courageous, fair, and faithful to my conscience. When I must be firm, let me be firm without cruelty. When I must fight, let me fight for what is right without allowing anger or pride to guide me.
Grant me clarity of thought, sound judgment, careful words, and the ability to listen. Help me separate what I can control from what I cannot, and give me peace when the outcome rests beyond my hands.
May I approach each upcoming case with confidence without arrogance, compassion without weakness, and determination without losing my humanity.
St. Thomas More, walk with me through the difficult days ahead. Pray that God will strengthen my heart, quiet my mind, guide my decisions, and help me use my abilities in the service of truth and justice.
Amen.