THOMAS, Bishop of Hereford, Saint. - Born Thomas de Cantilupe, c. 1218; died near Montefiascone on 25 August 1282.
A diligent scholar, he obtained the degree of Magister artium at Paris, then devoted himself to the study of civil law at Orléans, then to the Decretals, and finally to theology. His learning earned him the office of Chancellor of the University of Oxford (1262), which he discharged scrupulously, enforcing discipline among the students. The kings of England, Henry III and Edward I, entrusted him with the offices of chancellor and counsellor. His contemporaries were struck by his probity, which led him to refuse gifts offered by those seeking royal favours. T. subjected his body to harsh discipline, wearing a hair-shirt, fasting, and spending nights in prayer. Some witnesses recount that during the celebration of Mass he shed abundant tears.
Elected Bishop of Hereford in June 1275, he was consecrated on 8 September. He held a provincial synod at Reading in 1279; he came into conflict with his metropolitan, John Pecham, who sought to usurp part of the jurisdiction of his suffragans. The Archbishop of Canterbury, unable to overcome T.’s resistance, excommunicated him; but T. appealed to Rome and went to Pope Martin IV to defend his cause. The Pope and the cardinals received him warmly. On his return journey to England, T. fell ill near Montefiascone and died there.
His outstanding virtues moved the King of England and the episcopate to seek his canonization; but the case was delicate. An investigative commission determined that T. had confessed to a papal penitentiary, who granted him absolution, later ratified by the Holy See. Canonization took place on 17 April 1320. Feast, 3 October.