The Patron Saint of Our Diocese
In the first reading for Sunday Mass yesterday, we heard the prophet Jeremiah lament what he suffered as a prophet of the Lord (see my homily).
Jesus suffered greatly for us. Thus, we can have great trust in him when we listen to his words in yesterday’s gospel, “Fear no one.”
Peter tells us in the first reading for today’s feast of St. John Fisher, “Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you.”
Have you ever felt that you were experiencing a “trial by fire?” Then, rejoice, for it is then “that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly.”
Jesus was not the last to be persecuted for faith in God. For three centuries after Christ, the Catholic Church faced public persecution. Even when Christianity became legal in the fourth century, there continued to be some persecution of Christians.
Even in the Sixteenth Century, people continued to suffer for holding to their Christian faith. At times, the suffering even came from other Christians who sought their own way. Here, I specifically think of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More. Today, June 22nd, is the Optional Memorial of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More. They were both martyred at the orders of King Henry VIII for refusing to sign an oath recognizing Henry VIII as the head of the church in England and granting the king his annulment that the Catholic Church had rejected.
While for the rest of the world, today is an optional memorial, in our Diocese of Rochester, today is a feast because St. John Fisher is our patron saint. This is why we use special readings for Mass today.
One might wonder why St. John Fisher was chosen to be the patron saint of our diocese. St. John Fisher was a great priest and teacher (as a child Henry VIII was tutored by St. John Fisher). He was named a bishop of the Diocese of Rochester in England. In his days, the colonies in America were just beginning. It was not until 1868 that our Diocese of Rochester was formed. Subsequently, when St. John Fisher (and St. Thomas More) were canonized as saints, it was fitting that St. John Fisher would be named the patron saint of our diocese.
While generally accepted today, Christianity continues to face “trials by fire.” When Pope Leo XIV speaks for peace, some people say he should stay out of politics. Pope Leo does not speak for politics. He speaks for faith. He speaks with courage as a prophet of the Lord. We ask for the grace to do the same with Jesus’ words, “fear no one” in mind.
On this feast, we ask St. John Fisher as our patron to pray for our diocese, that we might speak and live according to our faith in all things.
If you would like to learn more about St. John Fisher, please see my video presentation, Three Saints to Aid Us.
Peace,
Fr. Jeff