What do two Englishmen, a king's divorce, and a pair of beheadings have in common?
The answer is Saints Thomas More and John Fisher, whose feast day we celebrate on June 22.
Both men were close to King Henry VIII and held positions of influence and prestige. Both could have saved themselves by simply agreeing with the king, but instead, they chose something far more valuable: their souls.
When King Henry VIII sought to divorce his wife, Catherine of Aragon, and declare himself head of the Church in England, Thomas More and John Fisher refused to compromise their faith. They defended the sanctity of marriage, the authority of the Pope, and the freedom of the Church—even when doing so cost them everything.
St. Thomas More was one of the most respected statesmen in England and served as Lord Chancellor, second only to the king. St. John Fisher was a bishop, scholar, and Chancellor of Cambridge University. Both were intelligent, influential, and deeply respected. Yet neither man's accomplishments defined him. What defined them was their willingness to stand for truth when it became costly.
For their faithfulness, both were imprisoned in the Tower of London and convicted of treason. Both were beheaded within weeks of one another in the summer of 1535.
They lost their heads...but they kept their souls.
Their witness remains as relevant today, and we celebrate them in a joint feast day. Thomas More famously described himself at his execution as "the King's good servant, but God's first." John Fisher likewise remained steadfast in defending God's law even when it meant certain death.
Their courage reminds us that integrity is not tested when doing the right thing is easy. It is tested when the cost is high.
As we celebrate these two great martyrs, we can ask for their intercession that we may have the courage to remain faithful in our own lives—whether at work, in public life, or within our families.
One way to keep St. Thomas More's example close at hand is with the St. Thomas More Lawyer's Prayer Bookends, featuring the patron saint of lawyers, politicians, and public servants. Order yours today at The Catholic Company.
These men serve as a reminder that our ultimate goal is not earthly approval, but eternal life.
Saints Thomas More and John Fisher, pray for us!
