October 27

Born in 1499, Laurentius Petri studied theology in Germany and collaborated with his brother Olaus Petri upon returning to Sweden. Appointed Archbishop of Uppsala in 1552, he led the implementation of Lutheran doctrine and reformed the liturgy and church governance. Petri oversaw the translation of religious texts into the Swedish language, making worship accessible to the laity. He represented the Swedish church at the Riksdag of Västerås, securing its autonomy from the papacy. His efforts laid the foundations of a national church and influenced Swedish education and clergy training until his death in 1573.

Born in 1617 in Wales, Vavasor Powell emerged as a leading Puritan preacher during the English Civil War era. He traveled extensively, delivering sermons that challenged church hierarchy and promoted independent worship. Under Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth, Powell served briefly on the Commission of Triers, overseeing ministerial appointments. The Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 led to his imprisonment for nonconformity and continued dissent. He authored several pamphlets and hymns before his death in 1670, leaving a legacy of zeal and commitment to spiritual renewal.

Born in 1614, Hallgrímur Pétursson studied theology in Denmark before returning to Iceland as a parish priest. Between 1656 and 1659, he composed the Passion Hymns, a collection of 50 Icelandic hymns reflecting on Christ’s suffering, which became a cornerstone of Icelandic literature. His writing combined deep religious feeling with poetic artistry, earning him enduring respect in Icelandic cultural history. Pétursson also faced personal hardship, including conflicts with church authorities and family tragedies. He served his parish faithfully until his death in 1674 and is commemorated for his spiritual and literary contributions.