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St. John Fisher: c. October 19, 1469–June 22, 1535
St. Thomas More: February 7, 1478–July 6, 1535
Patron Saints of lawyers, politicians, statesmen, educators, and writers
Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More are celebrated as martyrs who bore witness to the primacy of conscience and fidelity to God’s law in 16th-century England.
Born in 1469, John became a distinguished cardinal and scholar and was appointed Bishop of Rochester. He opposed King Henry VIII’s separation from the Catholic Church. The King wanted John to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon so that he could marry Anne Boleyn. Refusing to comply, John defended the authority of the pope and the integrity of the Church’s teaching.
Thomas More, born in 1478, served as Lord Chancellor and was a lawyer, scholar, and devout Catholic. When Henry VIII demanded that all officials recognize his supremacy over the Church, More declined, citing his conscience and fidelity to God. Imprisoned in the Tower of London, he faced immense pressure to compromise, yet he remained steadfast.
The two men were arrested for refusing to accept the king’s self-declared supremacy over the Church in Rome and his role as Head of the Church of England. They were pressured to sign an oath legitimizing the king’s children with Anne Boleyn and confirming his role as Supreme Head of the Church in England. Both refused to sign.
The king passed a law the previous year, condemning anyone who did not sign the oath as guilty of treason. The two were arrested, tried, and condemned. John was executed on June 22, 1535. Thomas was executed by beheading on July 6, 1535.
Both men exemplified courage and resolute fidelity to God. Their witness inspired generations of Catholics and remains an inspiring example for Christians facing challenges to the Faith today. They were canonized together in 1935.
John Fisher opposed King Henry VIII’s decision to divorce Catherine of Aragon and the establishment of the Church of England, which separated the people from the Church in Rome. He wrote letters and treatises defending papal authority and the Church’s teaching on marriage. He wrote and preached in defense of Queen Catherine of Aragon and argued against the king’s marriage to Anne Boleyn. The only English bishop to refuse to recognize Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, he declined to take the oath confirming the king’s supremacy in Church matters and the legitimacy of his children with Anne Boleyn. His defense was grounded in conscience and fidelity to Church law. He was found guilty of treason and executed based on a conversation where he was tricked into speaking against the king’s supremacy.
Thomas More approached political challenges with a commitment to truth, conscience, and moral law. As Lord Chancellor, he balanced service to the king with adherence to Catholic teaching. When asked to endorse the king’s supremacy over the Church, he declined, stating that his conscience would not allow him to act against God’s law. His book Utopia advocates for Christian morality. In the book, Thomas poses a crucial question about the role of government, challenging the value of serving a ruler who is more interested in his personal affairs than in the welfare of the people. His writings reflect his vision of social justice, morality, and the role of conscience in public life, which guided his approach in his political conflicts with Henry VIII.
Thomas More’s final words, “I die the King’s good servant, and God’s first,” indicate he prioritized his spiritual duty and conscience over political allegiance. His words set God’s ultimate authority over all earthly loyalties, including superiors and the king. Thomas disagreed with the king out of integrity and conviction. Yet, even while opposing the King on matters of faith, he continued to pray for and support the state, showing that loyalty to God does not prevent serving the common good. St. Thomas was a martyr for truth and conscience, willing to face death rather than compromise his Faith.
Jesus revealed Twelve Promises for those who honor His Sacred Heart. Learn what these promises mean for you as you grow in your faith and devotion to Our Lord. Get the free eBook The Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus using the form below.
Uncover the spiritual wit and wisdom from the last months of St. Thomas More’s life and the example he is today for those facing trials with wit, courage, integrity, and grace.
EWTN Bookmark – “John Fisher and Thomas More – Keeping Their Souls While Losing Their Heads”
In his book, Judge Robert J. Conrad reveals the holiness and integrity displayed by John Fisher and Thomas More, two 16th-century English saints, which enabled them to defy King Henry VIII’s divorce and remarriage.
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