August 13

Radegund was born around 520 into the Frankish royal family. She married King Chlothar I and later founded a monastery in Poitiers. Known for her deep piety and acts of charity, she devoted her life to helping the poor. Her establishment of the Abbey of the Holy Cross became a center of pilgrimage. Venerated for her spiritual writings, she was canonized as a saint after her death in 587. Her legacy endures in both religious history and medieval politics.

Born around 580 in Constantinople, Maximus served as a court official before embracing monastic life. He became a leading theologian, writing extensively against the Monothelite heresy. His firm stance on the two wills of Christ led to conflict with imperial authorities. Arrested, he endured exile and the loss of his tongue and right hand. Despite torture, he remained steadfast in his defense of orthodoxy. His theological works deeply influenced both Eastern and Western Christian traditions. Venerated as a saint, his legacy endures in ecclesiastical history.

Son of reformer Simon Grynaeus, Johann Jakob studied and taught at Basel University, shaping Protestant education. He authored influential commentaries on biblical texts and defended Lutheran doctrine against Catholic critiques. As a pastor and professor, he conducted church visitations, promoting ecclesiastical discipline and unity. His efforts strengthened the Reformed church in Switzerland during a time of confessional conflict. Grynaeus’s scholarly works and pastoral leadership left a lasting mark on Protestant theology.

Born near Downpatrick, Taylor became chaplain to King Charles I and authored profound spiritual works. His classics, 'Holy Living' and 'Holy Dying', remain pillars of Christian devotional literature. Consecrated bishop of Down and Connor, he navigated political upheaval and recanted under Cromwellian rule. Restored at the Restoration, he continued his pastoral and literary efforts until his death in 1667. Taylor’s eloquent prose and theological insights earned him enduring respect in Anglicanism.

Originally a member of the Jesuit order, Maimbourg was expelled and turned to historical writing in Paris. He produced detailed narratives such as the 'History of the Reformation' and the 'History of the Council of Trent.' His popular style and polemical tone fueled controversies between Catholics and Protestants. Maimbourg’s works were widely read and translated, influencing European perceptions of church history. Despite criticism for bias, his scholarship provided a comprehensive overview of key religious conflicts.

Jacques Lelong joined the Congregation of the Oratory and devoted himself to cataloging French literature. He compiled the first comprehensive bibliographical survey of books printed in France up to his time. His 'Bibliothèque historique de la France' became an indispensable reference for scholars and historians. Lelong’s meticulous research and organization laid the groundwork for modern bibliography. His work was continued by Antoine du Verdier, ensuring its lasting impact on literary studies.

He was born in Leonberg in 1927 to Jewish parents who survived the Holocaust. After the war, he rebuilt his life in Frankfurt as a successful real estate entrepreneur. Elected chairman of the Central Council of Jews in Germany in 1992, he became a prominent voice against anti-Semitism. He navigated tensions between Israel and Germany while advocating for Jewish cultural life. His leadership strengthened Jewish-German relations until his death in 1999. He was awarded the Buber Rosenzweig Medal for his contributions to interreligious dialogue.

Born in 1921 as Shantilal Patel, Pramukh Swami Maharaj became the fifth spiritual guru of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). He guided millions through his messages of devotion, morality, and service to humanity. Under his leadership, BAPS expanded globally, building temples and organizing social initiatives. Maharaj emphasized education, healthcare, and disaster relief, earning respect across religious communities. His legacy of spiritual guidance and philanthropy continues to inspire followers worldwide.