April 13

He was the eldest son of King Liuvigild of the Visigothic Kingdom. Originally raised in the Arian Christian tradition of his father, he embraced Catholicism in 579. His conversion created a rift with his father, leading to a rebellion in Seville. After a two-year revolt, he was captured and imprisoned by royal forces. He died in 585, reputedly executed for refusing to renounce his Catholic faith. He was later canonized and venerated as a martyr within the Catholic Church.

Born around 720, likely in Lucca of Lombard descent. He joined the Benedictine monastery of Monte Cassino and took the name Paulus Diaconus. From around 760, he served at the court of King Desiderius of the Lombards. He authored major works including the Historia Langobardorum, chronicling the history of his people. His writings also include hagiographies and hymns that influenced medieval scholarship. He died around 799, leaving a lasting legacy as a key source for early medieval history.

Daughter of Godfrey III, Duke of Lower Lorraine, Ida was born around 1040 into a prominent noble family. She married Eustace II, Count of Boulogne, and later became a widow with a strong religious calling. Ida retired to a monastic life, supporting the foundation of convents and caring for the poor. Her dedication to charity and spiritual devotion earned her canonization as a saint after her death in 1113. As abbess of the convent at Boulogne, she guided religious women in the Rule of Saint Benedict. Her feast day is observed by various Christian communities in recognition of her faith and service.

Richard Montagu was born in 1577 and rose to prominence as a preacher and writer advocating for moderate Anglicanism. He served as royal chaplain to King Charles I and was appointed Bishop of Chichester before being translated to Norwich. His works, including 'Appello Caesarem', sparked debate by challenging Puritan theology and emphasizing episcopal authority. Montagu's tenure was marked by conflicts with Parliament and Puritan factions over church doctrine. He defended the hierarchical structure of the Church of England and influenced debates leading up to the Civil War. He died in 1641, leaving a lasting impact on Anglican doctrine and ecclesiastical politics.

Charles Leslie was born in 1650 and educated in theology before becoming an influential Anglican priest. He gained notoriety for his polemical writings defending High Church principles and critiquing both Catholicism and political dissenters. Leslie served as a clergyman in Ireland and authored numerous pamphlets that shaped religious debates of his time. His works left a lasting impact on ecclesiastical history and Anglican thought. Remembered for his fierce intellect, he remained active until his death in 1722.

John Humphrey Noyes established the Oneida Community, a utopian commune in New York State. He promoted 'Perfectionism' and unconventional social practices, including communal marriage. Under his leadership, the community thrived financially through craft and manufacturing. Noyes's radical ideas on gender equality and communal living attracted national attention. Despite controversy, the Oneida Community endured for decades and influenced cooperative movements. His legacy raises questions about the balance between individual freedom and communal ideals.

Born in 1901 in Italy, Ambrogio Gianotti was ordained as a Catholic priest. During World War II, he joined the Italian Resistance (partigiano), risking his life to oppose occupying forces. He balanced his spiritual duties with clandestine activities, aiding fighters and civilians alike. His leadership and compassion strengthened local Resistance cells. Following the war, he continued his pastoral work, supporting his community through rebuilding efforts. Gianotti remained a respected figure for his courage and faith until his death in 1969.