January 13

Born in 1381 in Corbie, France, she entered the Poor Clare convent at age 25 after experiencing mystical visions. Guided by her spiritual zeal, Colette restored strict observance of poverty and asceticism among the nuns. She traveled widely to found and reform convents, emphasizing simplicity, prayer, and charity. Pope Benedict XIII canonized her in 1807, recognizing her influence on monastic reform. Saint Colette is venerated as a patroness of abbesses and those seeking reform within religious orders.

Born in Corneto, Lucy Filippini felt called to educate young women from an early age. Invited by Cardinal Barbarigo, she established the Religious Teachers Filippini in 1705 to provide free schooling in reading, writing, and Christian doctrine. Her pioneering work spread throughout Italy, improving literacy and moral instruction for thousands of girls. Filippini’s dedication to faith and learning led to her canonization by Pope Pius XI in 1930. She remains a patron of educators and a symbol of compassionate leadership.

Educated at Eton and Cambridge, Richard Hurd gained fame with his 1751 work 'Letters on Chivalry and Romance,' championing medieval literature. He served as chaplain to the Duke of Northumberland before becoming Bishop of Worcester in 1781. A close friend of William Warburton, Hurd defended Whig political principles and promoted religious moderation. His sermons and writings influenced both ecclesiastical practice and literary criticism in late 18th-century England. He died in 1808, remembered for bridging scholarship and pastoral care.

Born in 1878 in Montreal, Groulx was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in his twenties. He earned recognition as a historian for his extensive writings on New France and Quebec history. Groulx founded the review L'Action canadienne française to promote French-Canadian nationalism. His scholarly works influenced generations and shaped Quebec's emerging cultural identity. He also taught at the Université de Montréal, where he inspired many students. Groulx's legacy remains central to discussions of Quebec's linguistic and cultural heritage.

Mieczysław Żywczyński was born in Poland in 1901 and ordained a Catholic priest. He devoted his life to historical scholarship, focusing on the medieval and early modern Church. His publications shed light on religious, social, and political aspects of Polish ecclesiastical history. Żywczyński taught at the Jagiellonian University, mentoring new generations of historians. His work remains a valuable resource for understanding Poland's religious heritage. He balanced pastoral duties with rigorous academic research until his death in 1978.