June 06

Norbert of Xanten was born around 1060 and became a leading figure in church reform during the early 12th century. In 1120, he founded the Premonstratensian order, emphasizing communal poverty and pastoral care. He was appointed archbishop of Magdeburg, where he worked to renew clergy morals and strengthen ecclesiastical discipline. His commitment to pastoral work and monastic ideals earned him widespread veneration after his death in 1134. Canonized in 1582, Saint Norbert’s legacy endures through the thriving Premonstratensian communities worldwide.

Robert Passelewe served as a trusted royal clerk to King Henry III of England before his elevation to the episcopate. Appointed treasurer of the royal household, he managed the kingdom’s finances and negotiated with baronial factions. In 1250, he was consecrated as Bishop of Chichester, where he engaged in disputes over rights and revenues with his cathedral chapter. His administrative skills and courtly experience underscored the close ties between the medieval English church and the monarchy. Passelewe died in 1252, leaving a reputation for both competence and political acumen.

Born in 1614, Martini joined the Society of Jesus and traveled to China in 1640. He spent over two decades documenting Chinese geography, history, and culture. His Novus Atlas Sinensis became the first detailed European atlas of China. Martini's bilingual writings offered insights into Ming and early Qing dynasties. He played a key role in cultural exchange between Europe and East Asia. Martino Martini died in 1661, leaving a lasting legacy in cartography and sinology.