September 29

John Lesley (1527–1596) was a Scottish cleric appointed Bishop of Ross and a trusted counselor to Mary, Queen of Scots. He acted as a diplomat in France and England, negotiating on behalf of the embattled queen. Lesley authored detailed histories defending Mary’s claim and chronicling the noble factions of Scotland. A staunch Catholic during the Reformation, he tirelessly advocated for the restoration of Mary’s authority. After her forced abdication, he continued to lobby European courts for her cause until his death. His writings remain vital sources for understanding 16th-century Scottish religious and political strife.

Thomas Tenison was born in London in 1636 and entered the Church of England early in his life. He rose through ecclesiastical ranks to become Bishop of Lincoln and later Archbishop of Canterbury in 1695. Tenison championed charitable work, founding schools and supporting parish relief efforts for the poor. He authored numerous sermons and theological treatises that influenced Anglican practice. Under his leadership, the Church of England navigated political changes during the Glorious Revolution and early Hanoverian era. He remained dedicated to pastoral care until his death in 1715, leaving a legacy of reform and scholarship.

Richard Challoner was born in 1691 in Lewes, England, during a period of Catholic suppression. Ordained a priest in 1717, he rose to become Vicar Apostolic of the London District in 1741. He worked tirelessly to support clandestine Catholic worship and to establish seminaries under harsh penal laws. Challoner's 18th-century revision of the Douay-Rheims Bible made Scripture more accessible to English speakers. He published devotional manuals and pamphlets that strengthened the underground Catholic community. He died in 1781, remembered for his pastoral care and enduring scholarly contributions.

Born in 1832, Joachim Oppenheim became a prominent rabbi and Jewish scholar in Bohemia. He authored commentaries on Jewish law and contributed articles to religious journals. Oppenheim served communities by providing spiritual guidance and advocating for education among Jewish families. His publications blended traditional Talmudic study with interpretations relevant to 19th-century life. He remained a respected figure until his death in 1891.