SS. John Fisher and Thomas More

Today is the feast day of Saints John Fisher and Thomas More. Bishop Fisher was one of the (relatively few) bishops who refused to take the oath of succession which acknowledged the issue of Henry and Anne as the legitimate heir to the throne, and he was imprisoned in the Tower in April 1534. It is reported that, shortly before his execution, Fisher opened his New Testament to the following words from St. John's Gospel: "Eternal life is this: to know You, the only true God, and Him Whom You have sent, Jesus Christ. I have given You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave me to do. Do You now, Father, give me glory at Your side". Closing the book, he observed: "There is enough learning in that to last me the rest of my life."

Just a few days later, Thomas More was convicted of treason. He reportedly told his judges that "we may yet hereafter in heaven merrily all meet together to everlasting salvation." On the scaffold, he famously told the crowd that he was dying as "the King's good servant-but God's first."

A few years ago, Pope John Paul II proclaimed Thomas More the patron saint of politicians and statesmen.

Rick