August 18

Born into the influential Pucci family of Florence, Lorenzo was educated in law and theology before entering ecclesiastical service. He was ordained a priest in 1491 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming bishop of Melfi and then cardinal in 1517. As papal legate, he represented the pope in diplomatic missions across Europe and played a key role in negotiating Church matters during the Reformation’s early years. Pucci was known for his administrative reforms and support of the arts, acting as a patron to architects and scholars in Rome. Despite controversies around nepotism, he maintained a reputation for piety and effective governance until his death in 1531.

Born in Cheshire and educated at Oxford, Hammond became chaplain to King Charles I and professor of divinity. A staunch defender of episcopacy, he authored theological works such as 'Paraphrase and Annotations on the New Testament' that became standard references for Anglicans. During the Civil War, he accompanied the captive king and remained loyal to the monarchy. After the Restoration, Hammond helped revise the Book of Common Prayer and participated in the Savoy Conference, striving for unity within the Church. His moderate High Church views influenced Anglican theology for generations. He continued to preach and write until his death in 1660.

Libert Hubert Boeynaems was born in 1857 in Belgium and ordained in the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He was sent to the Hawaiian Islands in 1881 to minister to immigrant and native communities. In 1903, he was appointed Vicar Apostolic of the Hawaiian Islands, overseeing all Catholic missions in the territory. He championed the expansion of parishes, schools, and charitable institutions across the islands. Bishop Boeynaems navigated cultural and political changes during the transition from kingdom to U.S. territory. He remained a dedicated pastor and administrator until his death in 1926. His leadership laid the foundation for the modern Catholic Church in Hawaii.

Ruth Norman (1900–1993) was an American religious leader and spiritual teacher. She co-founded the Unarius Academy of Science, promoting a message of interdimensional communication and cosmic harmony. Norman claimed to channel messages from advanced extraterrestrial beings and authored several works on metaphysical subjects. Her charismatic persona and trademark turbans made her a distinctive figure in the New Age movement of the 1960s and 1970s. She traveled extensively to deliver lectures and workshops, attracting a devoted following.

Born in 1931, Bramwell Tillsley joined The Salvation Army at a young age and quickly rose through its ranks. He served in leadership roles across Canada, Germany, and Zambia before his international appointment. In 1993, Tillsley was commissioned as the 14th General of The Salvation Army, overseeing mission and outreach programs worldwide. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its humanitarian efforts and responded to global crises. After retiring in 1999, he continued to support charitable initiatives until his death in 2019.

Born in 1948, James Anthony Jones was ordained in the Church of England and served in parish ministry before his consecration as the Bishop of Hull. He was later appointed Bishop of Liverpool, where he leads the diocese. Throughout his episcopal career, Jones has advocated for social justice, ecumenical partnerships, and community engagement. His writings and speeches often address the intersection of faith and modern life. Known for his approachable leadership style, he continues to influence church policy and outreach programs.

Born in Cologne, he studied theology and was ordained in 1985. He served as Bishop of Berlin before his appointment to Cologne. In 2014, he was elevated to Cardinal by Pope Francis. Woelki has been an influential voice on social issues and youth engagement. Known for both pastoral initiatives and occasional controversies, he remains a leading figure in the German church.