March 29

Gwynllyw, also known as Saint Woolos, ruled the kingdom of Gwynllwg in the late 400s. He is celebrated for converting to Christianity and establishing monastic communities around Newport. Legendary accounts credit him with defending his lands and then dedicating himself to pious works in his later years. His dual legacy as a warlike ruler and a devoted saint made him a symbol of the transition from pagan kingship to Christian monarchy. Many churches and local traditions in Wales honor his memory.

Born around 1020, Stephen IX was elected pope in August 1057 after serving as Cardinal-Priest. During his short pontificate, he sought to enforce clerical celibacy and eliminate simony, aligning with early reform movements. His insistence on church discipline brought him into conflict with powerful Roman families, culminating in his deposition and exile in February 1058. Despite these challenges, he continued to advocate reforms until his death in March of the same year. His papacy is remembered for its fervent but turbulent push for ecclesiastical integrity.

Born in 1546, Tobias Matthew rose through the ranks of the Church of England after studying at Cambridge. He served as Dean of Durham and Bishop of Durham, becoming Archbishop of York in 1606. A passionate academic, he supported learning and corresponded with leading scholars of his time. Matthew played a key role in the religious and political debates under James I, advocating for orthodox Anglicanism. He remained Archbishop of York until his death in 1628, leaving a reputation as a learned and authoritative churchman.

Born in 1688 in Stockholm, Emanuel Swedenborg was a brilliant mathematician and astronomer who undertook scientific explorations in Europe. He held a professorship at Uppsala University and designed one of the first envisioned submarines. In his middle years, Swedenborg experienced profound mystical visions and began publishing works on spiritual realms such as 'Heaven and Hell'. His theological writings proposed a unique interpretation of Christianity, influencing later movements like the New Church. Swedenborg's interdisciplinary work bridged science, philosophy, and spirituality until his death in London in 1772.

Charles Wesley (1707–1788) was an English clergyman and poet who co-founded the Methodist movement with his brother John Wesley. He served as a missionary in America, although his time there was brief, and later became renowned for his hymn writing. Over the course of his life, he composed thousands of hymns that remain central to Christian worship traditions worldwide. Wesley’s poetry combined deep theological insight with lyrical beauty, reflecting his passionate faith and commitment to evangelical outreach. His leadership and literary talents played a key role in the spread of Methodism, influencing both religious practice and hymnody for generations.

Hans Nielsen Hauge (1771–1824) was a Norwegian lay preacher whose religious awakening sparked a widespread revival across Norway. Without formal theological training, he traveled extensively, preaching and organizing home gatherings that emphasized personal faith and piety. Hauge also promoted education, entrepreneurship, and social welfare, encouraging followers to engage in business and community projects. His written works, including devotional texts and practical guides, educated a broad audience and contributed to Norway’s cultural development. Despite facing legal persecution for unauthorized religious meetings, Hauge persisted, and his movement influenced Norwegian society long after his death.

Born in 1792, Keble studied at Oxford and became a leading voice in the Church of England. In 1827 he published The Christian Year, a collection of poems that achieved widespread popularity and influenced religious poetry for decades. As one of the founders of the Oxford Movement, he advocated for a revival of high church traditions and theological scholarship. Keble served as vicar of Hursley for nearly forty years, where he was admired for his pastoral care and eloquent sermons. His legacy endures in both Anglican theology and English literature.

Barthélemy Boganda was born in 1910 in Bobangui in what is now the Central African Republic and became a Catholic priest before entering politics. He founded the Movement for the Social Evolution of Black Africa (MESAN) to advocate for decolonization and social justice. In 1958, Boganda became the first Prime Minister of the autonomous Central African Republic under French trusteeship. He worked to unite diverse ethnic groups and laid the groundwork for his country’s independence. Tragically, his life was cut short in a plane crash in 1959, but his visionary leadership made him a revered national hero.