Saints John Fisher and Thomas More

Saint John Fisher and Saint Thomas More were two brave men who lived in England a long time ago. They are known for standing up for the Catholic faith, even when it cost them their lives. They were both killed by the order of King Henry VIII. Today, the Catholic Church honors them as saints and martyrs.

John Fisher was a bishop and a teacher. He spent most of his life helping others grow in faith. He was smart and kind, but he would not go against his beliefs, no matter the cost.

Thomas More was a lawyer and a father. He also worked for the king. He was known for his honesty and his deep love for God. He did not want to fight with the king, but he could not say yes to something he knew was wrong.

These two men did not live for power or praise. They lived for truth. That is why we still remember them today.

John Fisher was born in 1469 in a town called Beverley in England. His father died when he was young. His mother made sure he got a good education. He went to Cambridge University, where he studied and later became a teacher. He became known for his wisdom and faith.

Thomas More was born in London in 1478. His father was a lawyer. Thomas also studied law. He was smart and liked to read. He thought about becoming a monk, but he chose family life instead. He got married and had children. He worked hard to be a good father and a good man.

Both men grew up in homes that taught them to pray and to think. They both loved to learn. They both wanted to live good lives. That is how they started on the path that would later lead to sainthood.

Even before their trials, both men lived holy lives. They helped others, followed the Church, and tried to do what was right.

John Fisher became the Bishop of Rochester. He took care of the poor and worked to make sure people learned about God. He also helped improve schools. He was close to the royal family, but he always put his faith first.

Thomas More became a lawyer and worked for the king. He became very important in England. He even served as Lord Chancellor, which was a very high job. But even as he rose in power, he stayed true to his faith.

Both men were well respected. People listened to them. They were kind, wise, and honest. They used their gifts to help the Church and the country. They did not seek fame or riches.

But the peace did not last. A time of trouble was coming. King Henry VIII would ask them to choose between him and the Church. They chose the Church.

King Henry VIII was married, but he wanted to get a new wife. The pope said no. Henry did not accept this. He made himself head of the Church in England. He told everyone they had to agree with him.

John Fisher said no. He believed only the pope could lead the Church. He spoke out against the king’s new marriage. He knew it would make the king angry. But he would not lie. He would not go against the Church.

Thomas More stayed quiet at first. He did not want to fight. But he also would not say the king was head of the Church. He resigned from his job. He stayed silent, but that was not enough. The king wanted him to speak and to agree.

Both men were arrested. They were put in the Tower of London. They were treated badly. But they prayed, stayed strong, and kept their faith.

John Fisher was the first to be killed. He was made a cardinal by the pope while he was in prison. The king became even more angry. Fisher was taken to be beheaded on June 22, 1535. He forgave his enemies. He died with peace in his heart.

Thomas More followed soon after. He was also sentenced to death. He joked with the man who was to kill him. He said he died as “the king’s good servant, but God’s first.” He was killed on July 6, 1535. His family wept, but the Church gained a martyr.

Both men could have saved their lives by saying what the king wanted to hear. But they would not lie. They knew that truth was more important than life. Their deaths were sad, but their witness was strong.

The Church remembers them as brave and faithful men. They did not fight with swords. They fought by telling the truth and refusing to give in.

John Fisher and Thomas More were canonized in 1935 by Pope Pius XI. That means the Church declared them saints. Their feast day is June 22. They are remembered together because they were martyred for the same reason and at the same time.

Thomas More is the patron saint of lawyers, politicians, and public servants. John Fisher is often honored by teachers and bishops. Both are seen as examples of truth, courage, and loyalty to God.

Many people still look up to them today. Their stories remind us that we must follow God even when it is hard. They show us that doing the right thing is more important than keeping power or staying safe.

They were two friends who stood together in a dark time. Their faith lit the way for others. Their courage still speaks to the world.

The Courage to Listen

Saint Thomas More followed his conscience all the way to death. He didn’t attack anyone or stir up crowds—he simply refused to say something he knew wasn’t true. In a world full of pressure and noise, his silence spoke volumes.

Your conscience is God’s quiet voice in you. It helps you choose what is right, even when it’s hard. Like Thomas More, you may face choices that ask more of you than you expect. Pause. Pray. Listen. Let your conscience guide you. And trust that God will give you the courage to follow it.

John Fisher and Thomas More: Keeping Their Souls While Losing Their Heads

John Fisher and Thomas More: Keeping Their Souls While Losing Their Heads by Robert J. Conrad Jr. shares real stories from the lives of these two saints. The book shows how their faith, honesty, and courage helped them face hard times. Though they lived long ago, their struggles feel familiar today. The book connects their time to ours, showing how they stood for truth when it was not popular. Easy to read and inspiring, this book shows Fisher and More as strong men who stayed faithful, even when it cost them everything.