March 21

Benedict of Nursia was born around 480 in Nursia, Italy. He is often called the father of Western monasticism. Around 529, he founded the monastery at Monte Cassino. His 'Rule of Saint Benedict' established guidelines for monastic life focusing on prayer, work, and community. The Rule spread throughout medieval Europe, shaping Christian monastic practice. He was canonized as a saint and remains a patron of Europe.

Ælla became king of Northumbria around 862. His reign was marked by internal unrest and the growing threat of Viking raids. He is historically noted for his conflict with the Viking Great Heathen Army. According to Norse sagas, Ælla executed the Viking leader Ragnar Lothbrok by the snake pit. He died in 867 during a battle with Viking forces near York. His death led to the Viking occupation of Northumbria.

Osberht ruled Northumbria from 849 after deposing his predecessor. His rule faced dynastic struggles and frequent Viking incursions. He was displaced by Ælla but later joined forces to resist the Great Heathen Army. Osberht died in the battle for York in 867 against the Vikings. His death is recorded as part of the Norse sagas detailing the conquest of York. Osberht's legacy remains tied to the end of independent Northumbrian rule.

Ezzo was born around 955 into the noble Ezzonid family. He served as Count Palatine of Lotharingia, a senior court official in the Holy Roman Empire. Ezzo built strategic alliances through marriage, including his union with Matilda of Germany. His descendants held significant power in the Rhineland region. He founded the Ezzonid dynasty, which influenced imperial politics for generations. Ezzo died in 1034, leaving a legacy as a key figure in medieval Lotharingian history.

Richeza of Lotharingia was born in 995 into the Ezzonid dynasty. She married Mieszko II Lambert and became Queen of Poland in 1025. As queen, she supported the Polish Church and founded religious institutions. After Mieszko's death, Richeza acted as regent for her son Casimir I. She later returned to Germany, where she became a patron of monasteries in Cologne. Richeza died in 1063, remembered for her political influence and pious works.

Robert I was born in 1011 to King Robert II of France. He became Duke of Burgundy in 1032, ruling until his death in 1076. Robert expanded Burgundian lands and negotiated autonomy from the crown. He married Helie de Semur, securing alliances with influential Burgundian families. Known for his piety, he founded several monasteries, including Saint-Philibert de Tournus. His rule laid the foundation for the future prosperity of Burgundy.

Absalon was born around 1128 into the noble Hvide family. He served as Bishop of Roskilde before becoming Archbishop of Lund in 1178. Absalon was a close advisor to King Valdemar I of Denmark. He led naval campaigns against the Wends, helping secure Danish dominance in the Baltic. A patron of culture, he founded Sorø Abbey and supported ecclesiastical reforms. Absalon died in 1201, commemorated as one of Denmark's greatest medieval statesmen.

Robert II was born in 1248 as the son of Hugh IV, Duke of Burgundy. He succeeded his father in 1272 and ruled until his death in 1306. Robert strengthened trade connections with Flanders and Champagne. He sponsored the rebuilding of churches and the founding of hospitals. His marriage to Agnes of France linked Burgundy to the French royal family. Under his leadership, Burgundy enjoyed economic growth and cultural development.

Rudolf VI was a member of the House of Zähringen, rulers of Baden. He inherited the margraviate in the 1350s and ruled until 1372. Rudolf oversaw the reconstruction of towns affected by warfare and plague. He negotiated alliances with neighboring principalities to secure Baden’s borders. A patron of monastic communities, he supported local religious foundations. Rudolf VI’s reign helped stabilize Baden during a turbulent period in the Holy Roman Empire.

Nicholas of Flüe was born in 1417 in the Swiss canton of Obwalden. He married and fathered ten children before leaving family life for a hermit’s solitude. Around 1467, he retreated to a grotto on the Ranft mountain, living on minimal food. He became known for his mystical visions and counsel to the Swiss Confederation. Nicholas never wrote down his revelations, but disciples recorded his teachings. Declared a saint in 1947, he remains a symbol of peace and spiritual devotion in Switzerland.

John de Vere was one of the most powerful peers in England during the reign of King Edward IV and Henry VII. He inherited the earldom at a young age and played key roles in military campaigns and local governance. Renowned for his loyalty to the crown, he became a respected courtier and advisor. He managed extensive estates in Oxfordshire and strengthened his family's noble standing. His leadership helped shape the political dynamics of late 15th-century England.

As Archbishop of Canterbury from 1533 to 1555, Cranmer profoundly reshaped the Church of England. He annulled King Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon and was principal author of the Book of Common Prayer. His theological reforms laid the foundation for Anglican doctrine and liturgical practice. Though he navigated volatile political shifts under Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary I, he remained committed to Protestant principles. Ultimately, he was executed for heresy under Mary I, becoming a Protestant martyr.