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 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 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.

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.

Born in 1603, Kordecki joined the Cistercian order and rose to become prior of Jasna Góra in 1650. When Swedish forces besieged the monastery in 1655, he organized a determined defense despite limited resources. His leadership and faith inspired the garrison and local population to resist the invaders. The successful defense became a symbol of Polish resilience and Marian devotion. Kordecki authored memoirs recounting the siege, blending military detail with spiritual reflection. He died in 1673, revered as a national hero and influential religious figure in Polish history.

Born in 1910 in Poland, Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg studied at leading European yeshivas before emigrating to the United States and then Israel. In 1965, he co-founded Yeshivat Torah Ore in Jerusalem, where he served as rosh yeshiva and guided thousands of students. Scheinberg authored several Torah commentaries and was respected for his piety, warmth, and generosity. He played a key role in revitalizing Orthodox Jewish education in the late 20th century. Rabbi Scheinberg continued to teach and inspire until his death in 2012 at the age of 101.

Eva Burrows served as the 13th General of The Salvation Army, leading the organization from 1986 to 1993. She traveled to over 70 countries to promote social justice and spiritual outreach. Under her leadership, the Salvation Army strengthened its humanitarian efforts in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. She was known for her humility, strong faith, and commitment to empowering women in church leadership. Her tenure inspired a new generation of officers and deepened the Army's impact worldwide.