February 23

Born in 940, Willigis rose from humble origins to become Archbishop of Mainz in 975 under Emperor Otto II. He served as archchancellor for successive emperors, wielding significant influence over imperial policy and papal relations. Willigis championed the Peace of God movement and supported monastic reforms, including the Cluniac revival. He oversaw the construction of Mainz Cathedral, which symbolized the church’s growing power. His diplomatic skill was crucial in negotiating the Ottonian succession and maintaining stability within the empire.

Born Gabriele Condulmer around 1383, he was elected pope in 1431 and faced immediate challenges from the Council of Basel, which sought to limit papal power. Eugene IV relocated the council to Ferrara and then to Florence, negotiating union with the Eastern Orthodox churches. He combated conciliarism, excommunicated dissenting cardinals, and safeguarded the authority of the Holy See. His reign saw the reorganization of the church’s judicial system and support for missionary activity in the New World. Eugene championed the arts and oversaw the early construction projects that would shape Renaissance St. Peter’s Basilica.

Born in 1923, Nirmala Srivastava experienced what she described as a spontaneous spiritual awakening in 1970, inspiring her to create Sahaja Yoga meditation techniques. She traveled extensively, conducting free public workshops and lectures that emphasized inner transformation, collective harmony, and the awakening of kundalini energy. Under her guidance, Sahaja Yoga centers were established in over 100 countries, attracting followers from diverse backgrounds. Srivastava authored several books on spirituality and led large-scale gatherings known as 'ladders of self-realization.' She passed away in 2011, leaving a vibrant global community of practitioners who continue her work.

Julien Ries was born in 1920 and dedicated his life to the study of religions. He served as a priest and theologian in Belgium before being named a cardinal in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI. A leading figure in the anthropology of religion, he published numerous works exploring the human search for the divine. He held academic positions at the Catholic University of Louvain and lectured internationally. His scholarship bridged theological tradition and modern anthropological methods, influencing students and scholars alike. Respected for his humility and scholarly rigor, his legacy endures in the field of religious studies.