May 17

Jien was born in 1155 into a noble Tendai Buddhist family. He became head of the Enryaku-ji monastery and a respected religious leader. He authored the Gukanshō, a seminal historical and political commentary on Japan. His works combined poetic elegance with scholarly analysis and influenced medieval historiography. Jien died in 1225 after decades of service, leaving a lasting legacy in both religious and literary circles.

Martin Delrio was born in 1551 in Antwerp and joined the Society of Jesus. He studied theology and became a professor at universities in Spain. Delrio wrote the Disquisitiones Magicae, a comprehensive examination of magic, witchcraft, and demonology. His work influenced the intellectual debate on occult practices during the Counter-Reformation. He died in 1601, and his scholarship left a lasting impact on early modern European thought.

Sebastian Kneipp was born in Stephansried, Germany, in 1821. After overcoming tuberculosis through natural remedies, he trained as a Catholic priest in Augsburg. Kneipp developed a system of hydrotherapy using cold water treatments, herbal remedies, exercise, and balanced nutrition. His 1886 book "My Water Cure" popularized these natural healing methods across Europe. He founded numerous health clinics and inspired the modern naturopathic movement. Kneipp’s holistic approach emphasized prevention and the body's innate healing power. He died in 1897, leaving a lasting influence on alternative medicine and wellness practices.

Jacint Verdaguer was born in Folgueroles, Catalonia, in 1845 and ordained as a Catholic priest in 1871. Under the pen name Mossèn Cinto, he became one of the most celebrated poets of the Renaixença, or Catalan Renaissance. His epic poem "L'Atlàntida" (1877) and lyrical masterpiece "Canigó" (1886) revitalized Catalan language and culture. Verdaguer’s works blend Christian mysticism with nationalist sentiment and classical influences. He traveled widely to raise funds for churches and wrote extensively on religious themes. Verdaguer’s poetry inspired a resurgence of Catalan literary identity. He passed away in 1902, revered as a father of modern Catalan literature.

Born in 1947, Stephen Platten studied theology at Oxford before his ordination in 1974. He served in parish ministry and cathedral roles, including Precentor of St Paul's Cathedral in London. In 2003, he was consecrated Bishop of Wakefield, where he oversaw church growth and community outreach programs. He later became Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, advocating for interfaith dialogue and social justice. A published author of theological works, Platten has contributed to discussions on spirituality and church leadership.