Article: Saint Valentine?

The link below is to an article that looks at the history of Saint Valentine.

For more visit:
http://mentalfloss.com/article/48938/saint-we-call-valentine

Today in History: 30 May 1431

Joan of Arc Burnt at the Stake

On this day in 1431, Joan of Arc, The Maid of Orleans, was burnt at the stake as a heretic when 19 years old. Joan is regarded as a hero of the French people and a Roman Catholic saint.

For more visit:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_of_Arc

Today in History – 16 May 1532

England: Sir Thomas More Resigns His Office as Lord Chancellor of England

Sir Thomas More was born on the 7th February 1478. More’s political career began modestly enough, but rose through the ranks of power to become Lord Chancellor in 1529. However, he eventually ran into conflict with the king over the issue of papal authority versus that of the king. It was to be his undoing before Henry VIII, as he was unable to accept the Act of Supremacy.

On this day in 1532, Sir Thomas More resigned his office as Lord Chancellor of England, citing health issues. The true cause of his resignation was undoubtedly his position on the royal claim to supremacy in England.

Eventually his position led to his total fall from grace and he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. He was then tried for treason and finally beheaded on the 6th July 1535.

More had been an aggressive and vocal opponent of the reformation within Henry VIII’s inner circle. He was a severe persecutor of the Protestants and the church, being a staunch Roman Catholic (recognized by Roman Catholicism as a saint) to the bitter end.