May 20

Pope John XXI, born Pedro Julião around 1215, was a learned scholar with expertise in medicine, logic, and natural philosophy. He was elected pope in September 1276 after serving as a cardinal and papal physician. John XXI sought to reform church administration and supported missionary activities, aiming to strengthen papal authority. He authored medical and philosophical treatises, reflecting his academic background. His pontificate was cut short when the ceiling of his study in the Papal Palace collapsed, leading to fatal injuries. He died on May 20, 1277, and was remembered for his intellectual contributions and tragic end.

Sayyid Jalaluddin Surkh-Posh Bukhari, whose title means the Red-Clothed, was born into a noble family in Bukhara in the early 13th century. He traveled extensively through Persia and the Indian subcontinent, spreading the teachings of Sufism and emphasizing love, devotion, and tolerance. Settling in Uch Sharif, in modern Pakistan, Bukhari established a center for spiritual learning that attracted disciples from diverse backgrounds. His poetry and sermons focused on inner purification and the remembrance of God. After his death in 1291, his shrine became a major pilgrimage site, inspiring Sufi orders across South Asia. His legacy endures in devotional practices that celebrate his message of unity and compassion.

Bernardino of Siena was born in 1380 in Italy and joined the Franciscan order at a young age. He became known for his powerful preaching style, drawing large crowds to hear his messages on faith, morality, and social reform. Bernardino promoted devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus and encouraged public displays of piety, including processions and the veneration of symbols. He traveled throughout Italy, mediating conflicts and advocating for the poor and marginalized. His efforts to combat usury and luxury earned him both admirers and detractors. Canonized in 1450, he is remembered as one of the greatest popular preachers of the late medieval period.

Born in 1467 near Rieti, Columba entered the Third Order of Saint Dominic at a young age. She dedicated her life to prayer, penance, and works of charity, attaining a reputation for deep mystical experiences. Accounts of her life include visions and profound spiritual insights that inspired many in her community. Columba maintained a strict ascetic regimen, emphasizing the importance of humility and obedience. She remains a notable figure in the history of Dominican spirituality, and her life continues to inspire devotion. She died in 1501, and her legacy endures through devotional writings and local veneration.

Thomas Sprat was a prominent English clergyman and writer best known for his History of the Royal Society, which documented the early years of Britain’s scientific academy. Born in 1635, he rose through church ranks to become Bishop of Rochester and briefly Archbishop of Canterbury-designate. Sprat’s eloquent prose helped shape public understanding and prestige of the Royal Society. He served as court preacher to King James II and defended Anglican orthodoxy against dissenters. His work bridged the worlds of science and religion during the Scientific Revolution.

Count Hieronymus von Colloredo served as Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg from 1772 to 1812, overseeing significant religious and administrative reforms. He championed Enlightenment ideals by promoting education, improving church discipline, and secularizing ecclesiastical properties. Colloredo is perhaps best known for his patronage of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, employing him as a court musician before their famous falling out. He supported liturgical music innovations and enhanced the artistic life of his territories. His tenure reflected tensions between traditional church authority and modernizing forces in late 18th-century Europe.

Damaskinos of Athens, born in 1891, was the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece and a prominent religious leader. In 1945, he was appointed as the 137th Prime Minister of Greece to help stabilize the nation after World War II. He used his moral authority to mediate between political factions and guide the country toward democratic elections. During the Nazi occupation, Damaskinos protested against the persecution of Jews and helped save many lives. His tenure as both a spiritual and political leader made him a symbol of unity and reconciliation in post-war Greece. He passed away in 1949, remembered for his compassionate leadership and commitment to social justice.

Metropolitan Timothy (Szretter) was born in 1901 and devoted his life to the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church. After serving as bishop in several dioceses, he was enthroned as the third Metropolitan of Warsaw and All Poland in 1961. During his brief tenure, he focused on rebuilding church institutions and strengthening pastoral care in a challenging political environment. Metropolitan Timothy worked to foster ecumenical dialogue and maintain the church's traditions under communist rule. His leadership helped reinforce the Orthodox community's presence in Poland. He passed away in 1962, leaving a legacy of dedication and spiritual service.