May 15

Born around 476, he withdrew to the forests near Galeata to live a life of solitude and prayer. His ascetic lifestyle attracted disciples seeking spiritual guidance. Hilary established a monastery that became a center of devotion and learning in Tuscany. Pilgrims traveled to him for counsel and blessings. He was celebrated for his miracles and unwavering faith. Venerated as a saint, his legacy endures in the traditions of Italian monasticism.

Born circa 830, Marinus rose through the Roman clergy before his election as pope in 882. His brief pontificate involved mediating disputes among Frankish nobles and kings. He strove to protect church interests against secular encroachments. Marinus supported local synods to reinforce ecclesiastical discipline. He encouraged missionary activity in pagan regions bordering the empire. His sudden death in 884 brought an end to his efforts at reconciliation and reform.

Born around 850, Hatto became Bishop of Mainz in 891 and later assumed the archiepiscopal seat. He served as chief counselor to Kings Arnulf and Louis the Child, shaping imperial policies. Hatto convened synods to reform the clergy and reinforce church authority. He managed vast church lands and acted as mediator in noble disputes. His administrative skills strengthened the archbishopric’s role in the Holy Roman Empire. He died in 913, remembered for his blend of spiritual leadership and political acumen.

Little is recorded of Byrhthelm’s early life before his consecration in the mid-10th century. As Bishop of Wells, he worked to implement Benedictine reforms across his diocese. He promoted the copying of liturgical texts and supported ties with prominent monastic centers. Byrhthelm was praised for his pastoral care and charitable outreach to the poor. His governance helped strengthen the Church’s presence in Somerset. He died in 973, leaving a legacy of clerical discipline and learning.

John Hale was born in 1636 in England and became a Puritan minister in Beverly, Massachusetts. He played a prominent role in the Salem witch trials, initially supporting the prosecutions before expressing regret for the trials' excesses. His accounts of the events provide valuable insights into the Puritan mindset and colonial society of the 17th century. Hale was known for his eloquent sermons and staunch religious convictions. After the trials, he authored a reflective treatise acknowledging the hasty judgments that led to wrongful executions. He remained active in his ministry until his death in 1700.

Alban Butler was born in 1710 in Oxfordshire, England, and ordained as a Roman Catholic priest. He devoted much of his life to researching and writing hagiographies, producing the seminal work "Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Other Principal Saints." First published in 1756, Butler’s compilation provided detailed biographies of saints and became a vital resource for clergy and lay readers. His clear, scholarly style and rigorous attention to historical sources set a new standard for ecclesiastical literature. Butler held various pastoral appointments before retiring to focus on his writings. He passed away in 1773, leaving behind a legacy that endures in Catholic devotional practices.

Born in Ireland, Flanagan immigrated to the United States in 1904, where he served as a parish priest in Omaha, Nebraska. Deeply moved by the plight of homeless boys, he established Boys Town in 1917, dedicated to shelter, education, and spiritual guidance. His progressive approach emphasized love, discipline, and responsibility, transforming the lives of thousands. Flanagan's model attracted national attention and influenced child welfare practices. He continued to advocate for youth welfare until his death in 1948, leaving a lasting humanitarian legacy.

John Aglionby (1884–1963) was an English-born Anglican cleric notable for his leadership in West Africa. He was ordained in 1909 after studying at Oxford University and later served as a military chaplain during World War I. In 1933, Aglionby was appointed Bishop of Accra in the Gold Coast (modern-day Ghana), where he focused on education and clergy development. He helped establish local schools and fostered the training of indigenous church leaders. Aglionby’s efforts strengthened the Anglican community and bridged British and African traditions. He retired in 1951 but remained an influential figure in ecclesiastical affairs until his death. His work laid the foundation for the continued growth of the Anglican Church in Ghana.

Francis Schaeffer was an American pastor and philosopher who founded the L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland. He wrote extensively on Christian worldview, culture, and philosophy, bridging faith and intellectual thought. His works such as 'The God Who Is There' challenged both secular and religious audiences. Schaeffer traveled widely, speaking at conferences and engaging with contemporary issues. His holistic approach to theology and culture continues to impact Christian thinkers worldwide.

Jerry Falwell was a prominent American pastor, televangelist, and conservative political activist. Born in 1933, he founded Thomas Road Baptist Church and Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, which grew into one of the world's largest Christian universities. In 1979, Falwell co-founded the Moral Majority, a political organization that mobilized evangelical Christians in US politics. His influence extended through radio and television broadcasts, where he advocated for traditional family values and conservative policies. Criticized by some for his divisive rhetoric, he remained a key figure in the Religious Right until his death in 2007. Falwell's legacy endures in the institutions he built and the role he played in shaping American evangelicalism.