Today’s saints were martyred because they refused to accept government interference in their religion. Many people at the time of King Henry VIII simply went along with him even though they knew that he was clearly overstepping his civil authority in declaring himself to be the head of the Church in England. St. John Fisher was the only Catholic Bishop who remained faithful. St. Thomas More, the King’s good servant, had the courage to resist. Both of these men provide examples of heroic bravery in the face of attacks on religious freedom. Both men are witnesses for the present day, for bishops and for lay people and this is why the US bishops have chosen them, St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More as special patrons for the next few days, the Fortnight for Freedom.