May 05

Born in 1310 into a noble family, Preczlaw of Pogarell rose through church ranks to become Bishop of Wrocław in 1361. He was created cardinal by Pope Innocent VI and acted as a diplomatic envoy between the papacy and Central European rulers. Known for his administrative reforms, he strengthened the diocese’s finances and promoted church building projects. He played a key role in negotiating truces in regional conflicts and supported the reformist policies of the Avignon papacy. Preczlaw remained a prominent ecclesiastical figure until his death in 1376.

Born in 1479, Guru Amar Das became the third leader of the Sikh faith in 1552. He introduced the tradition of langar (community kitchen) to promote equality and social integration. He founded the town of Goindwal Sahib, where he built a communal center that attracted disciples from diverse backgrounds. Under his guidance, the Sikh scripture was expanded and new Sikh temples were established across Punjab. Guru Amar Das emphasized service (seva) and worship (simran), laying foundations for later Sikh institutions. He appointed his son-in-law, Guru Ram Das, as his successor before passing away in 1574.

Born in 1504 near Kraków, Stanislaus Hosius became Bishop of Warmia and later Cardinal in 1561. He served as papal legate to the Council of Trent, where he played a crucial role in shaping its doctrinal decrees. Hosius founded the seminary at Braniewo to train Catholic clergy and defended church doctrines against Protestant reformers. As chancellor to King Sigismund II, he influenced religious policy in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Renowned for his scholarship and piety, he authored theological works and corresponded with leading Catholic thinkers. He died in 1579, leaving a legacy as a key architect of Catholic renewal in Central Europe.