CATHOLIC MARTYRS.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19456, 21 December 1934, Page 8

CATHOLIC MARTYRS.

BEHEADED IN 1535

CANONISATION PROBABLE

United Press Assn.—Elec.. Trl. Copyright, (Received Dec. 21, 2.30 p.m.)

VATICAN CITY', Dec. 20

It is expected the four hundredth anniversary ‘of the martyrdom of Thomas Moire and John Fisher, who were beheaded in 1535 and beatified in 1887, will be celebrated by their ■canonisation.

The Pope is receiving thousands of letters from England!, urging that More and Fisher were devoted supporters ■to Papal supremacy, the sacraments and marriage which are important principles to-day.

John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, was beheaded in June 22, 1535, for refusing to recognise Ilenry VIII. as Supreme Head of 'the Church. Sir Thomas More, English Statesman, as speaker in the House of Commons in 1523, staunchly defended the privileges of the House against Cardinal Wolsety whom he succeeded as Chancellor in 1529. Conscience 'compelled him to resign when Henry VIII. claimed to he the one Supreme Head of the Church of England. He was committed to the Tower on April 17, i 53-4 and tried for high treason in Westminster Hall, July 1, 1535. Ho was executed! five days later.

THOMAS MORE AND JOHN FISHER.