June 22nd is the feast of Saints Thomas More and John Fisher - the famous Catholic martyrs from the Reformation.

Although neither men knew each other well, they were met with the same unfortunate fate within two weeks time. For this reason, they are both they are celebrated on the same day. They are a great example and inspiration of strong Catholic presence in the State, something that we need desperately need in our governments to this day.

John was born in 1469 in Beverley, which is in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. Now known for its historic buildings and racecourse, the town was a small but vibrant market town back in Fisher's day. At 14, he went to Cambridge university to receive his education. There, he quickly excelled and grew his reputation as a scholar and intellectual. At the same time, he pursued the priesthood and was ordained in 1491. At only 35 years old, in 1504, he was made both Chancellor of Cambridge (meaning he was the head of the university) and Bishop of Rochester.

As Bishop and Chancellor, he focused many of his efforts on improving the preaching and theological content in England. He gave many sermons that are still remembered and read to this day and is now considered the greatest preacher of the sixteenth century. His most famous surviving sermons are the ten sermons on the seven Penitential Psalms, which were just recently republished in modern English. While his writings and sermons are appreciated now, they were much more controversial and drummed up much debate in the time of the Reformation and Lutheranism movement.

While John Fisher was growing in notoriety in England, King Henry VIII had been crowned and was now facing troubles in regards to the validity of his marriage. As one of the king's admired bishops, Fisher could not help but be involved in the controversy. In 1534, it was declared that all public officials were required to swear in agreement that the marriage of King Henry and Catherine was illegal and invalid. Bishop John Fisher could not in good conscience do this. He was immediately imprisoned in the Tower of London for this act of defiance against the King.

This imprisonment obviously meant that he lost the university Chancellorship and was no longer Bishop of Rochester. He was also deprived of all sacraments and priestly visits, which was a much more significant hit to bear for Fisher. On June 22, 1535, John Fisher was brought to be executed. With his head on the execution block, he once again proclaimed his Catholic faith, prayed the Te Deum, and waited for the axe blow. His body was buried in a local churchyard, but soon moved into the chapel of the Tower of London to stop people from looking to the grave as a saintly shrine.

Thomas was born in 1478 in London. His father was a lawyer and judge on the King's bench. This meant that More's family had valuable connections and the wealth. Thomas was able to rise quickly and by age 13, he was the page for the Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1492, he began studying at Oxford. After his few years Oxford, he studied law and trained in London until he began to practice in 1502. In 1504, More was elected into Parliament.

In 1505, after discerning away from religious life, Thomas More married Jane Colt. Just 6 years later, Jane died, leaving behind three daughters and a son. Thomas quickly remarried to Alice Middleton. Family was very important to More. He was as committed (if not more) to his duties in fatherhood as he was to being a lawyer.

More was also an extremely talented writer. One of his famous works, "Utopia," is widely known to this day. It describes a fictional utopian island civilization. It is considered one of the greatest pieces of writing from the Renaissance.

More continued to quickly rise in power and in 1529 he succeeded Cardinal Wolsey as the Lord Chancellor of England. Lord Chancellor was a sort of secretary for the King. This was essentially the highest position of power besides the King. More was perfect for this role. He was loyal to the King, worked with amazing speed, and was extremely effective. Also while in this role, More worked hard to defend the Catholic Church in England and maintain complete religious freedom.

However, like John Fisher, he eventually hit a roadblock in his partnership and relationship with the King. When he was ordered to give approval of King Henry VIII's annulment from Catherine, he stood his ground and denied. Even in such a high position of power and with such a close relationship to the king, More upheld his beliefs and those of the Catholic Church.

Like Fisher, he was immediately arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London. On July 6, 1535, More was executed via decapitation. As he prepared to be executed he stated that he was "the king's good servant, but God's first."

Both men were canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1935. Saint Thomas More was proclaimed the patron saint of statesmen and lawyers. He is remembered for his courageous integrity. Saint John Fisher was made the patron saint of the Diocese of Rochester, England, where he served as Bishop.

These men truly lived out Thomas More's message. Yes, they were faithful, hard-working servants of the state and their King, but they were faithful Catholics and followers of Christ first. Let us see these men as a model for our own lives and our own courage to stand up to unjust or dishonest laws.

Saint Thomas More's life has been made even more well-known and popular through the film "A Man for All Seasons" Released in 1966, the historical drama film depicts the final years of Sir Thomas More's life - including the pivotal moments of opposition against King Henry VIII. The film was very popular, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture and many other awards.

Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, your fidelity to the truth and your courage left behind a shining example for all to see. Though your deaths appeared to be defeats at the time, your love of God and love for the king who killed you live on. Please pray for me, that I will imitate your courage and fidelity to Christ, going so far as to lay down my life, in every way that I am called, for the glory of God and the salvation of others. Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

- From mycatholic.life