March 20

Born in 634, Cuthbert entered the monastic life at a young age and became known for his strict asceticism. He served as a missionary on the island of Lindisfarne before being elected Bishop of Lindisfarne in 685. Cuthbert was celebrated for his compassionate care of the sick and the poor, often performing acts of healing. After resigning as bishop, he lived as a hermit on the Farne Islands, deepening his spiritual practices. Legends of miracles—such as calming storms and healing wounds—spread widely during and after his lifetime. He was canonized as a saint and became one of the most venerated saints in the British Isles.

Little is known about Wulfram's early life, but he rose to prominence as a monk before being appointed Archbishop of Sens. He embarked on missionary journeys to Frisia, spreading Christianity among pagan communities. Wulfram was respected for his preaching, pastoral care, and commitment to monastic ideals. He participated in ecclesiastical councils that shaped early medieval church doctrine and discipline. His legacy includes a reputation for holiness, leading to veneration as a saint in parts of France. Wulfram's relics attracted pilgrims, ensuring his memory endured long after his death in 703.

Born in 759, Alfonso II ascended to the throne of Asturias at a young age and secured his kingdom's borders. He established Oviedo as his capital, commissioning churches and monasteries that became cultural centers. Alfonso forged strategic alliances and repelled Viking incursions along the Cantabrian coast. He maintained a cautious stance toward the Andalusian Emirate, balancing diplomacy and defense. Under his rule, Asturias experienced a period of religious revival and artistic growth. Alfonso II's patronage of the Church earned him the epithet 'the Chaste,' and he was later revered as a key figure in the Reconquista.

Born of peasant stock around 775, Ebbo entered the court of Charlemagne and became a trusted scribe. He was appointed Archbishop of Reims in 816 and crowned Louis the Pious as Emperor in 816. During political turmoil, Ebbo joined a rebellion against Louis but was later deposed and imprisoned. After reconciliation, he regained his position briefly before being removed again amid further disputes. Ebbo spent his final years as a monk, dedicating himself to prayer and manuscript illumination. His tumultuous career reflects the complex relationship between church authority and imperial power in the 9th century.

Born in 1118, Kiyomori rose through military ranks during the Heian period amid feudal conflicts. He led the Taira clan to victory in the Hōgen and Heiji rebellions, consolidating his family's power. In 1167, Kiyomori became Daijō Daijin (Grand Chancellor), marking the first time a samurai held such authority. He initiated major political and economic reforms, including naval expansion and promotion of trade. However, his dominance sparked resentment among rival clans, leading to the Genpei War. Kiyomori's legacy endures in Japanese history as a pioneer of samurai governance and patron of culture.

Born Paulino Scolari around 1130, he was elected pope in 1187 after a contested papal election. Clement III ended the schism caused by his predecessor, gaining broad support among European monarchs. He crowned Henry VI as King of the Romans in 1191, strengthening ties with the Holy Roman Empire. Pope Clement oversaw significant restoration of churches in Rome, reaffirming papal authority in the city. He skilfully navigated conflicts with the Kingdom of Sicily and maintained peace within the Papal States. His brief pontificate left a legacy of stability and reconciliation before his death in March 1191.

Born circa 1165 in Salza, Hermann joined the Teutonic Order and was elected Grand Master in 1210. He secured papal recognition of the Order and negotiated charters that expanded its autonomy. Under his leadership, the Teutonic Knights launched successful campaigns in Prussia and the Baltic region. Hermann acted as a diplomat between Frederick II and the papacy, balancing imperial and ecclesiastical interests. He founded a network of commanderies that became centers of colonization and Christianization. Hermann von Salza's vision established the foundations for the Order's future state in Prussia.

Little is recorded about Walpole's early life before his appointment as Bishop of Norwich in 1288. He oversaw reforms of cathedral clergy and improved the administration of church lands. Walpole negotiated with the crown on behalf of the Church, navigating tensions with King Edward I. He supported building projects at Norwich Cathedral, enhancing its architectural and spiritual presence. Under his leadership, the diocese maintained stability amid wider conflicts in England. Ralph Walpole's tenure exemplified the role of medieval bishops in both religious and secular affairs.

Born around 1270 into an influential Hungarian family, Csák renounced his wealth to join the Dominicans. He distributed his estates to fund monasteries and care for the poor throughout Hungary. Maurice was known for his ascetic lifestyle, living among common people and sharing their hardships. He served as a friar for several decades, inspiring devotion and charitable endeavors. Legends attribute miracles and healings to Maurice both during his life and after his death. He is venerated in the Hungarian Church, with his feast day commemorating his sacrificial service.

Ascended the throne in 1325, he implemented sweeping administrative changes aimed at centralizing power. Tughluq introduced token currency, a pioneering yet ultimately flawed economic experiment. He attempted to shift the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad, causing widespread hardship among his subjects. His campaigns extended the sultanate's reach but also triggered revolts and regional uprisings. Known for his scholarly interests, he built libraries and patronized poets and scholars. Muhammad bin Tughluq's reign left a complex legacy of innovation, ambition, and administrative challenges.

Alexios III Megas Komnenos ascended the throne of Trebizond in 1349, inheriting a realm under constant threat from emerging powers. During his long rule, he navigated complex relations with the Genoese and mounted defenses against Ottoman encroachment. He implemented administrative reforms to stabilize the economy of the Black Sea principality. Despite occasional court intrigues and family rivalries, he maintained a relative peace that allowed culture and trade to flourish. Late in his reign, rising Ottoman power forced him into a costly tribute and diminished the empire’s autonomy. His legacy endures as the longest-reigning emperor of Trebizond, remembered for balancing diplomacy and resilience.

Henry Bolingbroke deposed his cousin Richard II in 1399 and was crowned King Henry IV, establishing the Lancastrian line. His reign was marked by noble revolts and challenges to his legitimacy, including the Percy rebellions. He defended his realm against Welsh uprisings led by Owain Glyndŵr, striving to maintain royal authority. Henry’s health declined in later years, and he spent much of his reign grappling with illness and political unrest. He laid foundations for the later success of his son Henry V, but never witnessed the victories at Agincourt. Henry IV died in 1413, leaving a complicated legacy of dynastic struggle and the evolution of English monarchy.