March 18

Born in 1036 in Lucca, Anselm became bishop of his native city and championed church reform. A skilled canon lawyer, he codified ecclesiastical decrees and defended papal authority against secular interference. Anselm was a close ally of Pope Gregory VII, assisting in the fight against simony and lay investiture. His leadership helped strengthen clerical discipline and moral standards within the clergy. He mediated disputes between secular rulers and the church, emphasizing the autonomy of ecclesiastical courts. Anselm died in 1086, leaving behind influential writings that shaped medieval canon law.

Born Cencio Savelli in 1148, he was elected pope in 1216, taking the name Honorius III. He inherited the ongoing Fifth Crusade and worked tirelessly to raise funds and support for the campaign. Honorius also resolved internal conflicts within the church, reforming religious orders and approving new monastic rules. He fostered the growth of the Dominican and Franciscan orders, endorsing their role in preaching and education. His diplomatic efforts included mediating disputes between European monarchs to maintain peace. Honorius III died on March 18, 1227, leaving a legacy of ecclesiastical reform and crusading zeal.

C. C. Martindale was a Jesuit priest known for his writings and lectures on theology and spirituality. He served in various roles within the Society of Jesus in England and abroad. Martindale was respected for his scholarship and leadership in religious education. He contributed articles and pamphlets on Catholic doctrine and devotional life. His thoughtful approach to nurturing faith influenced clergy and laypeople alike. He passed away in 1963, leaving a legacy of spiritual guidance and scholarship.

Thomas Hopko was born in 1939 and ordained as an Eastern Orthodox priest before earning advanced degrees in theology. He served as dean of Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary from 1992 to 2002, guiding the institution through a period of growth and scholarly achievement. Hopko authored the comprehensive Orthodox Faith series, which remains a foundational resource for students and laity alike. His teaching and lectures, delivered around the world, emphasized the integration of faith and daily life through accessible theological insight. Revered for his pastoral care and academic rigor, Hopko shaped generations of Orthodox clergy and thinkers.