May 31

Jerzy Radziwiłł was born in 1556 into the influential Radziwiłł family of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Elevated to cardinal by Pope Gregory XIII, he became one of the highest-ranking Catholic clergy in the region. As Bishop of Vilnius and later Prince-Bishop of Warmia, he played a key role in the Counter-Reformation. Radziwiłł supported the establishment of schools, monasteries, and missionary efforts. He was known for his patronage of the arts and involvement in political affairs. His leadership strengthened Catholic influence and shaped religious life in Eastern Europe until his death in 1600.

Dositheos II became Patriarch of Jerusalem in 1669, leading the Orthodox Christian community under Ottoman rule. Born in 1641, he was committed to the restoration and decoration of holy sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. He negotiated with Ottoman authorities to secure privileges for pilgrims and clergy. Under his guidance, monastic life and theological scholarship flourished in Palestine. He supported charitable works, schools, and translations of religious texts. His tenure strengthened Orthodox traditions and nurtured resilience in a diverse religious landscape until his death in 1707.

Count Hieronymus von Colloredo (1732–1812) was Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg from 1772 to 1812. He implemented reforms in church and state administration and promoted Enlightenment ideals. A patron of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, he initially supported the young composer before their relationship soured. Colloredo reorganized the Salzburg cathedral and introduced liturgical changes. His tenure witnessed the secularization of ecclesiastical territories during the Napoleonic era. Known for his austere character and administrative skill, he played a pivotal role in the cultural life of late-18th-century Austria.

Born Achille Ratti in 1857, he was elected pope in 1922 after serving as Archbishop of Milan and librarian of the Vatican Library. His papacy saw the signing of the Lateran Treaty in 1929, establishing Vatican City as an independent state. Pius XI spoke out against totalitarian regimes and promoted Catholic Action movements. He canonized several saints and reorganized the Roman Curia. His leadership during the interwar period shaped the modern relationship between Church and state.

Norman Vincent Peale served as pastor of New York City's Marble Collegiate Church for over five decades and wrote the bestselling book The Power of Positive Thinking in 1952. His teachings blended psychology and spirituality to encourage optimism and self-confidence. Peale founded Guideposts magazine and appeared on radio and television to spread his philosophy of faith and affirmations. His work sparked the modern self-help movement and influenced countless motivational speakers, despite criticism from some theologians. He remained a prominent religious figure until his death in 1993.

Henry B. Eyring has served in top leadership positions within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including as a member of the First Presidency. Educated at Harvard and Stanford, he began his career in academia before devoting himself to church service. Eyring is known for his compassionate counsel and teachings, having authored numerous books and articles on faith and personal development. His influence extends through both ecclesiastical guidance and educational leadership.

Terry Waite served as a special envoy for the Church of England’s Archbishop of Canterbury and negotiated the release of hostages in the Middle East. In 1987, he was himself taken hostage in Lebanon and spent over four years in solitary confinement, later documenting his experiences in best-selling memoirs. Waite has since traveled extensively, advocating for reconciliation and human rights. His writings and lectures continue to inspire efforts for peace.