October 13

Simpert served as bishop of Augsburg from the late 8th century. Before his episcopacy, he was abbot of Murbach Abbey, promoting monastic reform and discipline. He oversaw the reconstruction of churches and strengthened diocesan administration. Simpert maintained close relations with the Carolingian court and the papacy, supporting missionary work among Bavarian tribes. He was venerated as a saint after his death, remembered for his piety and leadership in the early medieval church.

Born in 1222, Nichiren became a seminal figure in Japanese Buddhism, advocating the Lotus Sutra as the supreme teaching. He challenged established Buddhist sects of his time, insisting that true enlightenment belonged to followers of the Lotus Sutra alone. Nichiren faced exile and persecution for his convictions but continued to write treatises like the Rissho Ankoku Ron, urging religious and social reform. His charismatic leadership attracted many disciples, leading to the formation of the Nichiren sect. Throughout his life, he endured hardships and maintained unwavering faith until his death in 1282. Nichiren's teachings endure today through various sects and millions of practitioners worldwide.

John Henley (1692-1759), nicknamed 'Orator Henley', was an English Anglican clergyman renowned for his flamboyant preaching style. He founded and edited several weekly periodicals that combined religious discourse with satire, attracting wide audiences in London. Henley's public lectures, held at his 'Oratory', blended moral instruction, literary criticism, and theatrical performance. He published collections of sermons, essays, and speeches, influencing early 18th-century journalism and literature. Engaging in public debates with fellow clergy and writers, Henley challenged conventional norms of decorum and piety. His inventive approach to preaching and publishing left a lasting impact on English public culture.

Donal Murray (10 June 1940 - 13 October 2024) was an Irish Roman Catholic prelate who led the Diocese of Limerick as bishop from 1994 until his retirement in 2009. Ordained in 1963, he served in various pastoral and administrative roles, including Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly. Known for his compassionate pastoral care and commitment to education, he promoted youth engagement and lay participation in church activities. Bishop Murray established new parishes and championed social service initiatives to support vulnerable communities. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen parish life and address contemporary challenges facing the Church. He is remembered for his dedication to both spiritual leadership and community outreach.