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At the young age of 14, John Fisher entered Cambridge University, an institution he would be associated with all his life, to study theology. John was ordained a priest in 1491 and rose quickly through the Church ranks. By 1504, he was both Bishop of Rochester and chancellor of Cambridge. Famous throughout England for his learning, John became a friend and counselor to many important figures, including royalty, although he preferred the simple existence of prayer, study and service. John compassionately and diligently cared for the people of Rochester. One of his great friends and fellow scholar Thomas More once wrote of John, “I reckon in the realm no one man, in wisdom, learning, and long approved virtue…(can) be matched and compared with him.” When Martin Luther broke with Rome in the 1520’s, John fervently defended the Catholic church. But before long, this brought him into conflict with Henry VIII, who wanted a divorce from Queen Catherine of Aragon. John did not support the king and later refused to take the Oath of Succession (to recognize the king rather than the Pope as head of the Church of England). “Not that I condemn any other man’s conscience,” John wrote, “Their conscience may save them, and mine must save me.” John has already survived several assassination attempts when King Henry ordered him imprisoned in the Tower of London in April 1534. Charged with treason, John was sentenced to death. He was so frail that he had to be carried to his execution on June 22, 1535.
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of Interest: · Birthplace: Beverly, England · Feast Day: June 22 · Known for: Being a Leader. Bishop of Rochester, England
Prayer: Lord, I ask for courage to face and conquer my own fears. I ask for courage to take me where others will not go. I ask for strength of body to protect others, and strength of spirit to lead others. I ask for dedication to my community and country to keep it safe. And please, Lord, through it all, be by my side. Amen. From: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives.
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This page last modified on 11/16/05 |
