Saints John Fisher, Bishop, and Thomas More, Martyrs
Saint Paulinus of Nola, Bishop

Saint John Fisher was born around October 19, 1469, in Beverley, Yorkshire, England, and from an early age showed a keen love for learning and the things of God. Sent to the University of Cambridge as a boy, he became a priest in 1491 and soon emerged as a gifted theologian, preacher, and reform-minded pastor. As chaplain to Lady Margaret Beaufort, he helped foster a renewal of Christian scholarship, supporting the foundations of Christ’s and St John’s Colleges and encouraging the study of Scripture and the classical languages for the service of the Church. In 1504 he was appointed Bishop of Rochester, the poorest diocese in England, and he chose to remain there faithfully for more than three decades. A man of austere prayer and clear doctrine, he defended the sacraments and opposed the errors spreading in his day. During Henry VIII’s break with Rome, Fisher refused to accept the king as head of the Church in England, upholding the Pope’s spiritual authority and the Church’s freedom. Named a cardinal shortly before his death, he was executed on June 22, 1535, and is venerated as a martyr. He is patron of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester. His feast day is June 22.

Paulinus of Nola was born around 354 in Bordeaux, in southwestern Gaul, into a distinguished senatorial family. Brilliantly educated and destined for public honor, he rose to become suffect consul in Rome and later governor of Campania. Yet the upheavals of his age—especially the assassination of Emperor Gratian—helped turn his heart from ambition to Christ. Guided by the faith of his Hispanic wife, Therasia, he received baptism at Bordeaux and, after the death of their only child soon after birth, the couple chose a life of prayer, simplicity, and generous charity. Ordained a priest in Barcelona, Paulinus soon withdrew to Nola near Naples, drawn by devotion to Saint Felix. There he poured his wealth into caring for the poor and welcoming pilgrims, rebuilt churches in Felix’s honor, and formed a small monastic community. After Therasia’s death he became bishop of Nola, serving for about twenty years, writing revered poems and letters, and aiding the wider Church, including in the contested election of Pope Boniface I. He is honored as patron of Senigallia, Sutera, Torregrotta, and Villamaina. His feast day is June 22.

Thomas More was born on 7 February 1478 in the City of London, England, the son of a respected lawyer and judge. Educated at Oxford and trained in the law, he became a brilliant humanist and writer, best known for his book Utopia, which explored society and political life with moral seriousness. Though he once considered becoming a monk and practiced lifelong ascetic discipline, he chose a lay vocation, marrying and raising a household marked by learning and faith, notably giving his daughters an education rare for the time. More rose to high public office and served King Henry VIII as Lord Chancellor. In an age of upheaval, he defended the unity of the Church and could not accept the king’s break with Rome or acknowledge Henry as supreme head of the Church in England. Refusing the Oath of Supremacy, he was condemned for treason and executed in 1535, witnessing with his life that conscience must serve God first. Canonized as a martyr, he is a patron of statesmen and politicians. His feast day is June 22.

Saint Alban was born in Roman Britain, likely a Roman citizen living at Verulamium (today’s St Albans) around AD 300, though little is known of his early life. In a time of fierce persecution, Alban welcomed into his home a Christian priest fleeing arrest. Moved by the priest’s prayer and steadfast faith, Alban came to believe in Christ. When soldiers arrived to seize his guest, Alban clothed himself in the priest’s garments and surrendered in his place. Brought before a judge while pagan sacrifices were being offered, Alban refused to deny the true and living God. He endured scourging with patience and was condemned to death. Tradition recalls signs accompanying his martyrdom: a river opening a way for the procession, and a spring rising at his prayer as he thirsted on the hill of execution. There he was beheaded, sealing his witness with blood. Venerated as Britain’s first recorded Christian martyr, he is patron of the English College in Valladolid and of places and institutions bearing his name. His feast day is June 22.