March 16

He served as a cathedral preacher in Strasbourg for over 40 years, attracting large crowds with his sermons. He addressed moral and social issues, advocating for clerical reform and lay piety. His writings were widely circulated and contributed to the spiritual renewal of the late medieval church. He emphasized practical Christian living and condemned corruption within ecclesiastical ranks. His work influenced later reformers while maintaining loyalty to the papacy. He is remembered as one of the most powerful pulpit orators of his time.

François Crépieul was a French Jesuit missionary who served in New France (present-day Canada) in the late 17th century. He worked among Indigenous communities, learning their languages and customs to aid his evangelization efforts. Crépieul kept detailed letters and reports that provide historical insights into early colonial interactions. His dedication to missionary work lasted over three decades, shaping the Jesuit presence in North America. His writings remain valuable resources for understanding the cultural and religious dynamics of the period.

Otto Bardenhewer was a German theologian born in 1851. He made significant contributions to the study of early church history. Bardenhewer is best known for his 'Kirchliches Handlexikon', an extensive theological reference work. He served as a professor at the University of Freiburg, influencing generations of scholars. His meticulous research bridged historical sources with contemporary theological debates. He remained active in academic circles until his death in 1935.

Clemens August Graf von Galen was a German Catholic bishop of Münster and cardinal. During World War II, he publicly denounced Nazi euthanasia and totalitarian measures, earning him the nickname "Lion of Münster." His sermons in 1941 inspired resistance and saved lives by exposing the regime's atrocities. He was elevated to cardinal by Pope Pius XII in 1946 but died shortly after. He was beatified in 2005 for his moral leadership and courage under oppression.

Born in Milan in 1937, Attilio Nicora was ordained a priest in 1961 and quickly rose through ecclesiastical ranks. He served as Bishop of Verona before being appointed president of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. Elevated to cardinal in 2003, Nicora oversaw the Vatican’s real estate and financial portfolios, implementing reforms to increase transparency. He participated in the 2005 conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI and remained a key figure in Vatican governance until his retirement in 2011. He passed away in 2017, leaving a legacy of administrative modernization.

J. Z. Knight is an American New Age spiritual teacher and author best known for channeling an entity named Ramtha. She founded the Ramtha's School of Enlightenment in 1988 in Yelm, Washington. Her teachings combine meditation, spiritual growth, and channeled wisdom purportedly from Ramtha. Knight has written numerous books, including 'You Are the Creator' and 'Tales of the Field'. She has been both influential in New Age circles and subject to controversy regarding the authenticity of her channeling. Her work has attracted thousands of students worldwide through workshops and online courses. Knight's organization emphasizes personal empowerment and the expansion of consciousness.

Peter John Forster (born March 16, 1950) is an English Anglican bishop with a long record of church service. He studied theology at King's College London and was ordained in the Church of England in 1975. Forster served in various parish appointments before his consecration as a bishop. He was appointed Bishop of Chester, overseeing diocesan administration and clergy support. Known for his commitment to ecumenism, he engaged in interfaith dialogue and community outreach. After retiring, Forster continued to contribute to church life through writing and teaching.