February 21

Randoald of Grandval served as the prior of the Benedictine monastery at Grandval in the 7th century, dedicating his life to monastic discipline and the care of the poor. Known for his compassion and steadfast faith, he guided his community through a period of regional turmoil. According to tradition, he and Saint Germanus were attacked and killed by invaders while defending the helpless, an event that led to their veneration as martyrs. Randoald’s sacrifice inspired devotion among local Christians and strengthened the reputation of the Benedictine order in the region. His feast day continued to be observed by monastic communities, preserving his legacy of faith and service.

Aymon de Briançon, appointed Archbishop of Tarentaise in the early 13th century, balanced ecclesiastical responsibilities with martial zeal. He answered the call of Pope Innocent III and joined the Fifth Crusade, taking part in campaigns toward Egypt and the Holy Land. Renowned as a warrior-prelate, he led contingents of knights from Savoy across the Mediterranean. His dual role exemplified the era’s entwining of faith and warfare. He died in 1211, his reputation cemented by his devotion both to the Church and to the defense of Christendom. His life illustrates the complexities and convictions of medieval religious leaders.

Jan Rokycana, born in 1396, emerged as a principal theologian of the Utraquist faction after the deaths of Jan Hus and Jerome of Prague. Though elected Archbishop of Prague by Czech estates, he lacked papal recognition and became a symbol of local ecclesiastical independence. Renowned for his sermons and Latin writings, he advocated the communion cup for laypeople and moderate reforms within the church. His diplomatic efforts at the Council of Basel sought to secure legitimacy for the Bohemian reformers. Rokycana’s leadership fostered a unique Czech church identity that endured beyond his death in 1471.

Giuliano della Rovere, elected Pope Julius II in 1503, asserted papal authority through both diplomacy and military action, earning him the nickname 'Warrior Pope.' He led campaigns to reclaim the Papal States and formed the League of Cambrai to check Venetian power. A visionary patron, he commissioned Michelangelo’s ceiling for the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s frescoes in the Vatican. Under his guidance, the Fifth Lateran Council helped enact church reforms, setting the stage for the Counter-Reformation. His energetic reign, ending with his death in 1513, left a profound mark on the Catholic Church and the High Renaissance.

Born in Norfolk, Southwell joined the Jesuit mission to minister to English Catholics in secret. His poetic works, marked by vivid imagery and spiritual depth, include Mary Magdalen's Funeral Tears. Arrested in 1592, he faced torture and was executed for his faith in 1595. Southwell's poetic style influenced writers such as John Donne and the metaphysical poets. He is remembered as a martyr who combined literary genius with deep religious conviction.

Born Pietro Francesco Orsini, he was elected pope in 1724 and took the name Benedict XIII. He prioritized seminary education, enhancing clergy training across Europe. Though criticized for nepotism, he enacted charitable programs and supported missionary activity. Benedict XIII faced conflicts with secular rulers over church authority and doctrine. His papacy left a mixed legacy of spiritual renewal and administrative controversies.

Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little in 1925, was a prominent African-American Muslim minister and activist. As a national spokesperson for the Nation of Islam, he challenged the mainstream civil rights movement with his advocacy for Black empowerment and self-defense. After leaving the Nation, he embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca that profoundly changed his views on race and unity. He founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity to advance human rights for African-Americans. His life was cut short by assassination in 1965, but his speeches and writings continue to inspire activists worldwide.

Eugène Tisserant was born in 1884 and served the Catholic Church in key roles for over six decades. He was appointed cardinal in 1936 by Pope Pius XI and later became Dean of the College of Cardinals. Tisserant held the position of Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and was instrumental in dialogues with Eastern Christian traditions. He participated in the Second Vatican Council, shaping important ecclesiastical reforms. He died in 1972 as one of the most senior officials in the Vatican hierarchy.

William Franklin Graham Jr. was one of the most influential Christian evangelists of the 20th century. He founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and preached to millions at large-scale crusades across five continents. Known as "America's Pastor," Graham counseled presidents from Harry Truman to Barack Obama and hosted televised sermons that reached vast audiences. He advocated for racial integration in his early crusades and emphasized compassion in his ministry. Over his seven-decade career, he wrote numerous books and remained a leading voice in global Christianity.