November 24

Born Johannes Hussgen in 1482, he studied at Heidelberg and became a professor of theology in Basel. Influenced by Erasmus and Luther, he challenged Catholic doctrines on the Eucharist and church hierarchy. Oecolampadius implemented reforms in Basel’s city council, abolishing the mass and promoting vernacular scripture. He engaged in theological debates with Zwingli and other leaders over the nature of Communion. His writings and pastoral work helped spread Reformation ideas across Switzerland. He died of the plague in 1531, leaving a significant imprint on Protestant theology.

John Knox was born in 1510 in Haddington, Scotland. As a fervent Protestant preacher, he challenged Catholic authority and campaigned for church reforms. He studied theology in Geneva under John Calvin and brought Reformed ideas to Scotland. In 1560, Knox's efforts led to the Scottish Parliament rejecting papal jurisdiction and adopting a Reformed confession. He founded the Presbyterian Church of Scotland and became known as the father of Scottish Presbyterianism. His writings and sermons influenced Protestant movements across Europe.

René de Birague was born in 1506 in Milan into a noble Italian family. He moved to France and became a key legal advisor, rising to Chancellor under King Charles IX. Pope Pius IV created him a cardinal in 1561, recognizing his diplomatic skill and loyalty. He played a major role in negotiating peace and managing royal affairs during the French Wars of Religion. As Chancellor, Birague helped draft the Edict of Amboise and supported moderate religious policies. He was remembered for his legal expertise and efforts to stabilize France in turbulent times.

Born around 1592, Walatta Petros became a noblewoman in the Ethiopian empire. She founded the Gennete Le’ul convent on Lake Tana, empowering women in religious life. Petros led a community of nuns that promoted Orthodox Christianity amid political turmoil. When Islamization efforts threatened her faith, she boldly defied local authorities. Her hagiography records miracles and spiritual visions that inspired generations. Canonized by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, she is celebrated for her devotion and leadership.

Guru Tegh Bahadur was born in 1621 into the Sikh leadership lineage. He became the ninth Guru of Sikhism in 1665 and preached courage and compassion. Tegh Bahadur traveled widely, establishing new congregations and promoting education. He famously stood against the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s forced conversions of Hindus and Muslims. In 1675, he was executed for refusing to abandon others’ rights to practice their faith. His martyrdom strengthened Sikh identity and inspired future generations to defend justice.

Lorenzo Ricci was born in Florence in 1703 and joined the Jesuit order at a young age. As Superior General from 1758, he oversaw Jesuit missions and educational institutions worldwide. Ricci navigated political pressures as several European monarchies suppressed the Society of Jesus. He strove to maintain the order’s spiritual integrity while negotiating with royal courts. Despite his efforts, Pope Clement XIV issued a brief suppressing the Jesuits in 1773. Ricci’s leadership during this crisis remains a subject of debate among historians.

James Caldwell was a Presbyterian minister who became a celebrated chaplain in the American Revolutionary War. Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1734, he provided vital spiritual and material support to Patriot troops. Known as the 'Fighting Parson', he famously distributed gunpowder from church vaults to soldiers. His leadership and courage boosted morale at key engagements, including the Siege of Springfield. Caldwell’s fearless advocacy for independence made him a symbol of revolutionary zeal. He died in 1781, felled by a Loyalist sniper during a skirmish in New Jersey.