Thomas Becket was born on the Feast Day of St. Thomas the Apostle, in 1118.  He lost both his parents when he was twenty one.  He was educated with the Canons regular.  At twenty-four, he obtained a position in the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury.  He received minor orders; the Archbishop was so fond of him, Thomas obtained many favors.  He was ordained deacon, in 1154, and then the Archbishop appointed him Archdeacon of Canterbury.  Now, this was an important position, second only to that of a Bishop or Abbot.  The Archbishop entrusted his most delicate affairs to him to manage, seldom doing anything without asking his advice.  He sent him to Rome on a very important mission.  Thomas Becket never gave the Archbishop cause to regret the confidence he placed in him.

English Martyrs Collection