January 29

Gelasius II was elected pope in 1118 amidst the Investiture Controversy. He clashed with Holy Roman Emperor Henry V over ecclesiastical appointments. Forced into exile, he continued to rally support for papal authority from southern Italy. His brief papacy saw efforts to reform church governance and assert papal independence. Gelasius II returned to Rome briefly before his untimely death in January 1119. He is remembered for his firm stance on church rights and his diplomatic struggles.

Francis Meres studied at Cambridge and later served in the Church of England. In 1598, he published 'Palladis Tamia', a compendium of English literature and criticism. This work contains one of the earliest critical references to William Shakespeare's poems and plays. Meres combined theological insight with literary scholarship, reflecting his dual roles. His anthology became a valuable resource for understanding Elizabethan writers. Meres continued to write sermons and theological tracts until his death in 1647.

Born in 1593, Lobo joined the Society of Jesus and set out for India and Ethiopia. He spent over a decade in Abyssinia, interacting with local rulers and communities. Lobo's detailed narratives of geography, culture, and religion became a landmark European account. His letters and reports offered insights into the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and court life. After returning to Europe, he published his travels, influencing later explorers. Lobo's work remains a key source for historians of early modern Africa.

Born in 1653, Fleury rose to prominence as a capable bishop and royal tutor. In 1726, he became France's chief minister, effectively governing for the young Louis XV. He implemented fiscal reforms that stabilized the French economy after years of war. Fleury negotiated peace treaties that maintained European balance of power. His long tenure brought relative domestic peace and administrative efficiency. He remained a respected statesman until his death in 1743.

Born in 1696, Eguiara y Eguren studied canon law and theology in Europe. He returned to New Spain and served as rector of the University of Mexico. In 1755, he published the 'Bibliotheca Mexicana', a pioneering catalog of Mexican writers. His work aimed to promote the intellectual achievements of colonial Mexico. Eguiara y Eguren later became Bishop of Guadalajara, influencing church education. He died in 1763, leaving a legacy as a champion of New Spanish scholarship.

Sibylle von Olfers was a German artist, teacher, and author celebrated for her enchanting children’s literature. Born into a noble family in 1881, she pursued art and education from a young age. Her most famous work, 'The Story of the Root Children,' blends delicate watercolors with lyrical prose to depict the cycles of nature. After taking religious vows, she continued to teach and create, infusing her work with spiritual themes. Von Olfers’s illustrations reflect Art Nouveau influences and deep respect for the natural world. Her books have remained beloved classics, capturing the imaginations of generations. She served as an inspiration for women in both artistic and religious spheres. Her legacy endures in the continued popularity of her timeless stories.

Charles Fox Parham (1873–1929) was an American preacher and evangelist considered one of the founders of the modern Pentecostal movement. He established Bethel Bible School in Topeka, Kansas, where students reported speaking in tongues as evidence of the Holy Spirit’s baptism. Parham taught that the Holy Spirit’s gifts, including healing and prophecy, were available to all believers and emphasized fervent faith. His teachings spread rapidly, influencing key Pentecostal leaders and setting the stage for the famous Azusa Street revival. Though controversial, Parham’s theological innovations left a lasting impact on Pentecostalism worldwide.

Richard Williamson was a British Roman Catholic bishop and a founding member of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (SSPX). He became widely known for his rejection of the Second Vatican Council reforms and his provocative comments on religious and historical topics. In 2009, the Vatican formally lifted his excommunication, only to later distance itself following his statements questioning the extent of the Holocaust. Williamson's tenure as a religious leader was marked by disputes with the Church hierarchy and public outcry over his views. He continued to serve the traditionalist Catholic community until his death.