April 24

Mellitus was an Anglo-Saxon monk sent by Pope Gregory I as part of the Gregorian mission to convert the Anglo-Saxons. He became the first Bishop of London around 604 and was later consecrated as the second Archbishop of Canterbury. He faced resistance from pagan rulers but successfully gained recognition from King Sæberht of Essex. Mellitus established churches and set ecclesiastical structures that laid the foundation for the English Church. He remained in office until his death in 624 and was later venerated as a saint for his missionary work.

Petronille de Chemillé succeeded Robert d’Arbrissel as abbess of the Fontevrault Abbey in 1115. She oversaw both male and female religious communities, maintaining strict adherence to the Rule of Saint Augustine. Under her guidance, Fontevrault grew into one of the largest double monasteries in medieval Europe. She managed spiritual affairs and estates, navigating the challenges of ecclesiastical politics. Petronille’s tenure ensured the abbey’s stability and prestige until her death in 1149.

Born Mark Rey in 1577, Fidelis of Sigmaringen joined the Capuchin order in 1612 and took his religious name. He conducted missionary work in the Protestant regions of Switzerland, where his preaching sought to strengthen the Counter-Reformation. Fidelis faced hostility from local populations and was attacked while traveling in the Grisons. On April 24, 1622, he was martyred by armed peasants. His steadfast faith and sacrifice led to his canonization by Pope Benedict XIV in 1746. Fidelis is venerated for his dedication to Catholic renewal.

Johannes Zollikofer was born in 1633 and studied theology at the University of Zürich. He served as vicar in several parishes, gaining renown for his eloquent preaching and pastoral care. Zollikofer published collections of sermons emphasizing the love of Christ and practical piety, which circulated widely in Reformed communities. He also engaged in charitable work and ecclesiastical administration within the Zürich canton. His writings and ministry left a lasting imprint on Swiss Protestantism until his death in 1692.

Anton thor Helle was born in 1683 in Gotland, Swedish Empire (now part of Germany). He served as a Lutheran clergyman and became renowned for his work in translating religious texts. His most significant achievement was the translation of the Bible into the Estonian language, published in 1739. Helle's translation laid the foundation for Estonian literary language and culture. He also produced hymnals and catechisms that shaped Lutheran worship in Estonia. Helle died on April 24, 1748, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of Estonian literature.

Eleazar Wheelock was born on April 22, 1711, in Windham, Connecticut. He served as a Congregational minister and missionary, with a vision to educate Native Americans. In 1769, he established Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, originally aimed at training Native American youth. Under his leadership, Dartmouth grew into a leading institution of higher education in early America. Wheelock emphasized classical curricula and religious instruction, reflecting his dual roles as minister and educator. Despite controversies over student admissions and funding, his legacy endures through the thriving college he founded.

Born in Hungary in 1914, Moshe Teitelbaum survived the Holocaust and emigrated to the United States, where he became a central figure in the Satmar Hasidic dynasty. He served as Rebbe in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and later in Kiryas Joel, New York, overseeing the growth of the community to tens of thousands of followers. A prolific writer, he published commentaries on the Torah and Jewish law, emphasizing traditionalism and strict adherence to Halacha. Under his leadership, the Satmar movement expanded its educational and charitable institutions, including yeshivot and social services. Teitelbaum's conservative stances and strong community governance shaped Satmar identity in America. He died in 2006, leaving a legacy of religious scholarship and communal strength.

Born in Puttaparthi, India, in 1926, Sathya Sai Baba claimed to be the reincarnation of the saint Sai Baba of Shirdi and attracted devotees worldwide. He founded hospitals, schools, and water projects through his charitable trust, offering free services to the underprivileged. Devotees believe he performed miracles such as materializing objects and healing the sick, though skeptics attribute these to faith and showmanship. Sai Baba taught the universal message of selfless service, compassion, and interfaith harmony, drawing visitors to his ashram for spiritual retreats. His legacy includes large-scale humanitarian initiatives and a global network of centers dedicated to social welfare. He passed away in 2011, leaving a profound influence on contemporary spiritual and charitable movements.