January 14

Hermann of Wied was a German nobleman who became Archbishop of Cologne in 1515. Initially a loyal Catholic prelate, he later supported moderate reforms influenced by humanist ideas. Hermann sought to address clerical abuses and improve education of the clergy within his archdiocese. His reform efforts led to conflict with the papacy, resulting in his suspension and eventual deposition in 1546. After his fall, he openly embraced Protestantism before his death in exile in 1552. Hermann's career reflects the complex religious tensions of the early Reformation era.

Martin Niemöller was a German Lutheran pastor who vocally opposed Adolf Hitler and the Nazi persecution of religious communities. He helped form the Confessing Church as a resistance movement within German Protestantism. His activism led to imprisonment in concentration camps from 1938 to 1945. After the war, he became an advocate for peace and reconciliation, traveling internationally to speak against injustice. His famous statement First they came... remains a powerful warning against indifference to oppression.

Angelo Bagnasco (born 1943) is an Italian Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Archbishop of Genoa from 2006 to 2020. Created a Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, he was President of the Italian Episcopal Conference between 2007 and 2017. Known for his conservative theological views, Bagnasco has been a prominent voice on social and ethical issues within the Church. He participated in multiple Vatican synods and served on international ecclesiastical commissions. Prior to Genoa, he led the Archdiocese of Pesaro, emphasizing pastoral care and engagement with youth. Bagnasco continues to contribute to global Catholic dialogue and church governance.

Marjoe Gortner began preaching revivals at the age of four, drawing large audiences across the United States. After revealing the mechanics of revival meetings in the 1972 documentary "Marjoe," which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, he transitioned into acting. Gortner appeared in films such as "Earthquake" and "Fire on the Amazon" and on television series including "The Mod Squad." His unique journey from evangelical preacher to Hollywood actor offered a rare inside look at both worlds.

He was born in 1950 in the village of Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh, India. Despite being visually impaired from birth, he pursued extensive studies in Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures. He is the founder of the Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped University, dedicated to the education of students with disabilities. He has authored more than 80 books and 50 papers on Vedic literature and Hindu philosophy. He is honored with the title of Jagadguru and serves as a spiritual leader for millions of devotees. His scholarly work includes critical editions of ancient texts and significant contributions to Sanskrit grammar and poetics. He continues to teach and promote accessibility in education.

Dion Forster, born in 1972, is an ordained Christian minister and theologian who has served in pastoral roles within South African Baptist communities. He holds advanced degrees in theology and church history and lectures at theological colleges and seminaries. Forster has authored books and scholarly articles on ecclesiology, pastoral ministry, and biblical interpretation. His work bridges academic research with practical ministry, offering insights into church governance, community outreach, and spiritual formation.