The English Martyrs: Saints John Fisher and Thomas More

•Bishop, Martyrs 
•Feast day: June 22 
•+1535 

The tumultuous period of King Henry VIII’s reign is marked by significant religious upheaval and tragic martyrdom. Among the most venerated figures who stood steadfast in their faith during this era are Saints John Fisher and Thomas More. Their unwavering dedication to their beliefs, even in the face of persecution and death, has enshrined them as the most outstanding English Martyrs.

The Genesis of Conflict

The seeds of discord were sown in 1527 when King Henry VIII sought to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, his wife of 18 years. The King’s desire to marry Anne Boleyn and secure a male heir led him to petition Pope Clement VII for an annulment. The Pope’s refusal to declare the marriage null and void incensed Henry. Determined to have his way, Henry broke away from the Roman Catholic Church and, in 1534, enacted the Act of Supremacy, proclaiming himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England. This monumental shift sparked widespread persecution of those who remained loyal to the Catholic Church.

The Martyrs’ Stand

Saint John Fisher

John Fisher, the Bishop of Rochester, was a stalwart defender of the Catholic faith. His refusal to acknowledge Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England led to his imprisonment in the Tower of London. Despite immense pressure, Fisher remained resolute. In 1535, his steadfastness culminated in his execution by beheading. Fisher’s final moments were marked by great piety; he held the Holy Gospel in his hands and offered words of forgiveness to his executioner. His head was gruesomely displayed on London Bridge, a stark warning to others who dared to defy the King.

Saint Thomas More

Sir Thomas More, renowned for his intellect and integrity, was a devout Catholic and an esteemed lawyer. As the Great Chancellor of England, he initially served Henry VIII with distinction. However, More’s moral compass and loyalty to the Catholic Church led him to oppose the King’s divorce and subsequent separation from Rome. In 1532, he resigned from his office, choosing his faith over his political career. Convicted of treason in 1535, More was also sentenced to beheading. His final words, “I am the king’s servant, but God’s first,” echo through history as a testament to his devoutness and courage.

The Legacy of the English Martyrs

The brutal methods employed to suppress Catholic dissenters during Henry VIII’s reign were harrowing. Many martyrs faced inhumane atrocities. The stories of John Fisher and Thomas More stand out not only for their personal sacrifices but also for their impact on the Catholic community and their enduring legacy as symbols of faith and resilience.

The martyrdom of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More represents a poignant chapter in the history of religious persecution. Their lives and deaths continue to inspire countless individuals around the world, serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for religious freedom and the unwavering strength of faith.