Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher: Patron of Politicians

Early Life and Calling of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher

Thomas More was the Lord Chancellor of England and a humanist scholar, while John Fisher was the Bishop of Rochester and a renowned theologian. Both were executed by King Henry VIII in 1535 for refusing to accept the king's claim to be Supreme Head of the Church of England. More famously declared himself 'the King's good servant, but God's first,' and Fisher was the only English bishop who refused to sign the Act of Supremacy.

The vocation of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.

Patron Saint: Politicians, lawyers, statesmen (More); bishops (Fisher)

Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher is honored as the patron saint of Politicians, lawyers, statesmen (More); bishops (Fisher). The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.

Those who work in or are associated with Politicians have traditionally invoked Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher is grounded in the specific details of Fisher's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.

How to Honor Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher in Your Daily Life

The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher and seek Fisher's intercession:

On the Feast Day (06-22): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Fisher's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Fisher's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher and spend a few minutes in prayer.

Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Fisher, pray for us," draws Fisher's intercession into your day.

Novena: A nine-day novena to Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.

Study: Read a biography of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.

Prayer to Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher

O glorious Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal): Lord our God, you have given us Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Fisher's memory imitate Fisher's virtues and one day share Fisher's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher in Art and Catholic Tradition

Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.

Common symbols associated with Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher in Catholic art may include: - A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood - Specific objects or instruments associated with Fisher's life or martyrdom - Liturgical vestments corresponding to Fisher's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing) - A palm branch, if Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher is a martyr

A lesser-known fact about Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher: Thomas More joked with his executioner on the scaffold, moving his beard aside and saying, 'It has not offended the King,' and John Fisher was made a cardinal by the pope while in prison, to which Henry VIII said the pope could send him the hat, but he would have no head to put it on.

When praying before an image of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.