October 28

Born in 1017, Henry III became King of Germany at age five and was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 1046. He strengthened royal power by appointing bishops loyal to him and reforming church leadership. He supported the Cluniac reform movement, calling synods to address clerical corruption. Under his rule, the Empire enjoyed stability and expansion into Italy and Burgundy. His reign set the stage for future emperors and the Investiture Controversy. He died in 1056, leaving a legacy of strengthened monarchy and church reform.

Born in Rotterdam in 1466, Erasmus became one of the leading scholars of the Northern Renaissance. He advocated for religious tolerance, critical scholarship of the Bible, and educational reform. His works, including "In Praise of Folly", satirized the abuses of the Church and called for moral return. Erasmus's edition of the Greek New Testament laid foundations for biblical studies and Protestant reform. He maintained a moderate position, seeking unity rather than schism between Catholics and reformers. Dying in 1536, Erasmus shaped humanist thought and influenced generations of thinkers.

Born in 1479, John Gage rose to prominence at the court of Henry VIII as a trusted gentleman. He held positions such as King's Esquire and served diplomatically in France and Scotland. A loyal servant, Gage managed royal estates and participated in key negotiations and military campaigns. He was knighted for his service and entrusted with sensitive missions during England’s turbulent politics. His career reflects the life of a Tudor courtier balancing service, ambition, and royal favor. Gage died in 1556, remembered as a dependable figure in Henry VIII's inner circle.

Born into Spanish nobility in 1510, Francis Borgia served as Duke of Gandía and a court official for Charles V. After his wife's death, he entered the Society of Jesus in 1546 and took vows as a priest. He became the third Superior General of the Jesuits in 1565, guiding rapid growth of the order across Europe. Renowned for his piety, humility, and administrative skill, he reformed Jesuit governance and educational missions. He was canonized in 1670, venerated for his spiritual writings and dedication to missionary work. Francis Borgia died in 1572, leaving a legacy as a model of renunciation and leadership in the Catholic Church.

Born in 1550 to Polish nobility, Stanislaus Kostka felt a strong religious calling from childhood. He secretly joined the Jesuit novitiate in Rome against his family's wishes in 1567. Known for his humility, prayerfulness, and charity, he cared for the sick and poor in the Roman hospitals. He contracted a fatal fever in 1568 and died at the age of 17, celebrated for his spiritual maturity. Pope Benedict XIII canonized him in 1726, making him the patron saint of students and youth. His life exemplifies youthful piety and dedication to the Ignatian spiritual exercises.

Born in 1585 in the Netherlands, Cornelius Jansen became Bishop of Ypres in 1635. His posthumously published work "Augustinus" (1640) emphasized predestination and original sin. Jansen’s rigorous theology challenged Jesuit doctrines and led to the religious controversy known as Jansenism. His followers faced censure from the Vatican, impacting French and Dutch Catholicism for decades. He is noted for his scholarly rigor, scriptural exegesis, and advocacy of moral reform in clergy. Jansen died in 1638, but his theological legacy continued to shape debates on grace and free will.

Born in Tours, France, in 1599 as Marie Guyart, she entered the Ursuline order at age 19. In 1639 she sailed for Quebec City to evangelize and educate Indigenous and settler girls. She founded the Ursuline Monastery and its school, introducing literacy and religious instruction. Marie learned Indigenous languages and translated prayers and catechism to serve local communities. She wrote extensive correspondence detailing early colonial life and missions in New France. Canonized in 2014, she is honored as a pioneer of education and cross-cultural engagement.

Born in 1610, Jacob Kettler ruled Courland and Semigallia from 1642 until 1682. He fostered economic growth by establishing shipyards, trading companies, and overseas colonies in Gambia and Tobago. Kettler introduced metalworks, glassworks, and refined agriculture to modernize his small Baltic duchy. He navigated alliances with Sweden, Poland, and the Holy Roman Empire to protect his realm. After captivity by Swedes during the Northern Wars, he was restored to power and resumed reforms. His reign marked a golden age for Courland, demonstrating the potential of minor European states.

Born in 1667 into the House of Wittelsbach, Maria Anna married King Charles II of Spain in 1689. She acted as regent during the king’s frequent illnesses and was involved in court politics. Maria Anna supported Habsburg interests and patronized the arts, including theatre and music in Madrid. Her efforts to secure an heir and alliance strategies heightened tensions leading to the War of Spanish Succession. After Charles II’s death in 1700, she retired to a convent but remained a respected figure at court. Her life reflects the complexities of dynastic politics and female regency in early modern Europe.

Born in 1690 as Peter Wessel, he earned the noble name Tordenskjold for his bravery at sea. He joined the Danish-Norwegian navy and quickly became known for bold tactics and privateering. Tordenskjold disrupted Swedish supply lines, capturing numerous ships and earning prestige.\nHe fought in key battles like Dynekilen (1716), securing naval victories for Denmark–Norway. His combination of courage, leadership, and innovative maneuvers made him a legend. He died in a fatal duel in 1720 but remained celebrated as one of Scandinavia’s greatest naval commanders.

Born in Bohemia in 1693, Šimon Brixi became a leading figure in Czech baroque music. He composed numerous masses, motets, and offertories that enriched the liturgical tradition of Prague. Serving as choirmaster in prominent Bohemian churches, he influenced generations of musicians. His style blended Italian baroque flair with local musical customs. Father of the noted composer František Xaver Brixi, his legacy continued through his son’s prolific career. Brixi’s works remain celebrated by early music ensembles today.

Born of royal lineage in 1696 as the illegitimate son of Augustus II of Poland, Maurice de Saxe rose to become one of France’s greatest military leaders. His strategic brilliance was showcased during the War of Austrian Succession, notably at the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745. As Marshal General, he reformed the French army’s organization and training. He documented his military theories in the treatise “Mes Rêveries,” influencing future generations of commanders. De Saxe’s legacy endures in military academies and studies of 18th-century warfare.