January 24

Richard de Bury was born in 1287 and served as Bishop of Durham before entering royal service. He became Lord Chancellor under King Edward III, playing a key role in governance and legal affairs. An avid collector and scholar, he amassed one of the finest medieval libraries of his time. De Bury authored the Philobiblon, one of the earliest works on the art of book collecting and preservation. His efforts helped lay the groundwork for the Renaissance's embrace of classical learning and literature.

Born on January 24, 1674, in Burcot, Oxfordshire, Thomas Tanner matriculated at Oxford University and developed a passion for ecclesiastical history. He was consecrated Bishop of St Asaph in 1713 and later appointed Bishop of Salisbury in 1732. A dedicated scholar, he compiled the 'Bibliotheca Britannico-Hibernica', an early catalogue of British and Irish writers. His extensive collection of manuscripts and books was recognized as a significant resource for historical research. Tanner died in 1735, leaving a legacy as both a church leader and an antiquarian.

Christian Ludwig Brehm (1787–1864) was a German Lutheran pastor whose passion for natural history led him to become a leading ornithologist. Stationed in Renthendorf, he meticulously collected and classified hundreds of bird specimens from across Europe. Brehm authored several important works on avian taxonomy, including detailed descriptions of parrots and other exotic species. His private bird collection became one of the largest ornithological assemblages of his time. He also mentored the next generation of naturalists, including his son Alfred Brehm. Brehm’s contributions laid foundational knowledge for modern ornithology and the study of bird migration.

Born in 1829 in Minsk, Yechiel Michel Epstein emerged as a leading rabbi and posek of his time. He authored the Arukh HaShulchan, a comprehensive codification of Jewish law highly regarded in Orthodox communities. His scholarly work synthesized traditional Talmudic sources with practical guidance, influencing generations of scholars. Epstein served as head of several yeshivas and was respected for his clarity and fairness in legal rulings. He continued teaching and writing until his death in 1908, leaving a lasting legacy in Jewish jurisprudence.

Born in 1843 in Slavonski Brod, Croatia, Josip Stadler was ordained a Catholic priest and later became the first Archbishop of Vrhbosna (Sarajevo). He established orphanages, schools, and the Caritas organization to aid the poor and foster interfaith dialogue in the region. Stadler worked tirelessly to rebuild Church infrastructure in the aftermath of conflicts and to promote reconciliation among diverse communities. His efforts led to the founding of numerous religious and charitable institutions that served both Catholics and Muslims. He remained a prominent spiritual leader until his death in 1918, leaving a legacy of compassion and social commitment.

Helena Maud Brown Cobb was born in 1869 in Georgia and devoted her life to teaching and missionary work. She served with the Methodist Episcopal Church, educating young women at institutions in the southern United States before embarking on mission service abroad. Cobb organized vocational training programs and promoted literacy, combining academic instruction with social outreach. Her efforts improved educational opportunities for underserved communities and fostered cross-cultural understanding. She remained active in missionary societies until her death in 1922, leaving a legacy of compassion and commitment to education.

Born in 1917 in Rotterdam, Demarteau was ordained a priest before serving as a missionary in Indonesia. He was appointed Bishop of Banjarmasin in 1953, shepherding the faithful through times of social and political change. Demarteau prioritized education and interfaith dialogue, founding schools and community programs to promote understanding. Renowned for his humility and compassion, he devoted himself to caring for the poor and marginalized. After nearly five decades of service, he retired in 1983 but remained a guiding spiritual presence. His leadership helped strengthen the Catholic community's role in Indonesian society.

Born in 1918 in Oklahoma, Roberts began preaching as a teenager and rapidly gained national attention. He established the Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association in 1947, reaching millions through radio and television programs. In 1963, he founded Oral Roberts University to blend higher education with Christian teachings and values. Roberts was known for his dynamic healing crusades and emphasis on faith-based prosperity messages. He authored numerous books on spirituality, inspiring followers worldwide. His legacy includes a global network of ministries and a university that continues his mission of integrating faith and learning.

Shivabalayogi (1935–1994) was an Indian spiritual leader and yogi. At a young age, he entered deep meditation, undergoing intense sadhana for years. He later toured India, sharing his teachings on meditation and spiritual awakening. Shivabalayogi established ashrams and centers devoted to inner peace and self-discipline. His approach emphasized direct experience over ritual, attracting followers worldwide. His legacy lives on through the practices and organizations he founded.

Born in 1969, Carlos Rômulo Gonçalves e Silva serves as the Catholic Bishop of Montenegro in Brazil. He has dedicated his ministry to pastoral care, social outreach, and interfaith dialogue. As Bishop, he has launched programs to support disadvantaged communities, promote education, and foster sustainable development. Gonçalves e Silva is known for his advocacy on environmental stewardship and youth involvement in church activities. He frequently leads workshops and conferences on faith, social justice, and community leadership. His compassionate and inclusive approach has strengthened ties between the church and wider society in southern Brazil.