John Fisher
John Fisher was an English Catholic bishop and cardinal, known for his unwavering opposition to King Henry VIII's separation from the Catholic Church. He is honored as a martyr and saint for refusing to acknowledge the king as Supreme Head of the Church of England and for defending papal supremacy. Fisher was canonized by Pope Pius XI alongside Thomas More.
- Feast Day
- June 22
- Century
- 16th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›He served as the Bishop of Rochester from 1504 to 1535.
- ›Fisher was chancellor of the University of Cambridge and a strong advocate for its academic development.
- ›He was a vocal opponent of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation.
- ›He defended Catherine of Aragon in her annulment case against Henry VIII.
- ›Fisher was executed by beheading on June 22, 1535, for treason.
- ›He was named a cardinal shortly before his death.
Cardinal's Hat, Beheading
About John Fisher
John Fisher (c. 19 October 1469 – 22 June 1535) was an English Catholic prelate, honored as a martyr and saint by the Catholic Church. He served as the Bishop of Rochester for 31 years, from 1504 until his execution in 1535, and also held the position of Chancellor of the University of Cambridge.
Life and Ministry
Born in Beverley, Yorkshire, Fisher displayed an early aptitude for learning, leading to his admission to the University of Cambridge at the age of twelve or thirteen. He pursued theological studies, receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1487 and Master of Arts in 1491. He was ordained a priest in 1491 and later became chaplain and confessor to Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond and Derby, mother of King Henry VII. Under Fisher's guidance, Lady Margaret founded St John's and Christ's Colleges at Cambridge. He was appointed Bishop of Rochester in 1504, a diocese he remained with for the rest of his life, despite it being the poorest in England.
Fisher was a prominent theologian and scholar, known for his opposition to the ideas of Martin Luther. He published a significant refutation of Luther's work and preached a famous sermon against Lutheranism in 1526. He was a staunch defender of the Catholic Church's doctrines, including papal supremacy.
Opposition to Royal Supremacy and Martyrdom
Fisher became a key figure in the defense of Catherine of Aragon during Henry VIII's efforts to annul his marriage. His most significant stand was against Henry VIII's assertion of royal supremacy over the Church of England. Fisher refused to take the Oath of Supremacy, which acknowledged the King as the Supreme Head of the Church, and was imprisoned in the Tower of London in April 1534. Despite repeated attempts to persuade him to submit, he remained steadfast in his refusal. Shortly before his death, he was named a cardinal by Pope Paul III, though the cardinal's hat never reached England.
Fisher was tried for treason and found guilty. His sentence of hanging, drawing, and quartering was commuted to beheading. He was executed on Tower Hill on June 22, 1535. His death was seen by many as a martyrdom for his unwavering commitment to the authority of the Pope and the Catholic Church. His body was treated with disrespect following his execution, and his head was displayed on London Bridge.
Canonization and Legacy
John Fisher was beatified by Pope Leo XIII on December 29, 1886, and canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 19, 1935, alongside Thomas More. They are jointly commemorated on June 22 in the General Roman Calendar of the Catholic Church. His name also appears in some Anglican calendars of saints. Fisher is remembered for his learning, his integrity, and his courageous stand against royal interference in religious matters.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was John Fisher born and when did he die?
John Fisher was born around October 19, 1469, and died on June 22, 1535.
Why is John Fisher considered a martyr and saint?
He is honored as a martyr and saint by the Catholic Church for his execution by Henry VIII. Fisher refused to accept Henry as the Supreme Head of the Church of England and upheld the doctrine of papal supremacy.
What was John Fisher's role at the University of Cambridge?
Fisher served as the chancellor of the University of Cambridge and was a dedicated supporter of its academic advancement, promoting the study of classical and Hebrew texts.
What was John Fisher's stance on Henry VIII's annulment from Catherine of Aragon?
Fisher was the chief supporter of Queen Catherine of Aragon and declared his readiness to die for the indissolubility of marriage, which greatly angered King Henry VIII.
When was John Fisher canonized and with whom?
John Fisher was canonized on May 19, 1935, by Pope Pius XI, alongside Thomas More, as representatives of the many Catholic martyrs of England.
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