Here stands St John Fisher and St Thomas More. What values did these two men stand for? St John Fisher was born in Yorkshire in 1469. He came from a wealthy family. This allowed him to study at Michaelhouse which later became part of Trinity College. Erasmus wrote to him saying his library was paradise.
St John Fisher believed understanding Christianity gave insight into life. He felt it was essential for spreading the Gospel. He helped found two colleges at Cambridge. These were Christ’s College and St John’s College. He created a new post in the Divinity Faculty. He was the first holder of the Lady Margaret Chair in 1503.
By 1504 St John Fisher became the Bishop of Rochester. He had made powerful friends. Lady Margaret Beaufort supported his career. He rose to Chancellor of the University of Cambridge.
King Henry VIII wanted royal control of the English Church in the 1530s. St John had to choose between his status and his faith. As confessor to Queen Catherine of Aragon, he opposed Henry’s marriage to Anne Boleyn. He also rejected the king’s claim to authority over the Church. St John defended Catherine before papal legates. He wrote against the divorce. He battled to stiffen the opposition of English bishops. The English Church broke from Rome.
In April 1534 St John refused the Oath of Succession. He was arrested and confined to the Tower of London. On June 17, 1535, he was condemned to death. Pope Paul III made St John a cardinal. King Henry joked that he would have no head for the cardinal’s hat.
On June 22, 1535, St John was beheaded at Tower Hill. He was 66 years old and very weak. He recited the Te Deum and a psalm. His head was displayed on London Bridge. Later St Thomas More’s head replaced his.
St John Fisher and St Thomas More were beatified in 1886. Pope Leo XIII did this. They were canonized in 1935 by Pope Pius XI. Their feast day is June 22. It is the date of St John’s execution.
St John Fisher believed learning should draw people closer to God. He felt it should draw them closer to others. He was one of the poorest men in England. He gave his possessions to those in need. Only a scourge was found in his house. He used it to chastise himself at prayer.
St John Fisher studied at Cambridge. He became the Chancellor of the university. He was a theologian and a respected Bishop. He became a good friend of Sir Thomas More.
He helped found St John’s College, Cambridge. He was arrested with Thomas More in 1534. They refused to accept the Act of Succession. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
In 1535 the Pope made him a Cardinal. This enraged Henry VIII. He had John Fisher executed within the month. He was executed on Tower Hill on June 22, 1535. He lived a simple life and cared for the poor. He is seen as one of the most important English saints.
St John Fisher stood for goodness discipline and knowledge. He opposed royal supremacy over the Church. He defended the Pope and Catherine of Aragon. He was a man of faith and principle. His legacy continues to inspire.