January 22

Originating from Persia, Anastasius converted to Christianity at a young age. He joined a monastery near Antioch, dedicating his life to prayer and asceticism. In 628, he confronted King Khosrow II over religious persecution and was arrested. Refusing to renounce his faith, he endured torture and exile before his death. He is venerated as a saint in both Eastern and Western Christian traditions for his steadfast courage.

Ælfric Puttoc first served as Bishop of Elmham before becoming Archbishop of York in 1023. He convened synods to address clerical discipline and combat secular interference in church affairs. A skilled administrator, he oversaw the construction and restoration of cathedral properties. Ælfric maintained close ties with the English monarchy, advising King Cnut on church matters. His leadership helped shape the medieval English church on the eve of the Norman Conquest.

Born in 1113, Wang Chongyang studied Confucianism and Buddhism before dedicating himself to Daoist practice. He established the Quanzhen School in Shandong, advocating celibacy and meditation as paths to immortality. Known for his "Seven Masters," he trained disciples who spread his teachings across China. Wang integrated martial arts and healing practices, blending spirituality with practical skills. His doctrines profoundly influenced subsequent Daoist thought and folk beliefs.

Born in 1495, Bernhard Knipperdolling was a German cloth merchant who became a key leader of the radical Anabaptist movement. He joined forces with Jan Matthys and later John of Leiden to establish a theocratic government in Münster in 1534. As mayor of the city, he implemented communal ownership of property and introduced radical social and religious reforms. Under his leadership, the city became the focal point of a millenarian vision that challenged both Catholic and Protestant authorities. After a lengthy siege by Prince-Bishop forces, the rebellion collapsed and Knipperdolling was captured and executed in 1536.

Born in 1509 in Leiden, John of Leiden was a blacksmith turned radical preacher who led the Anabaptist takeover of Münster. He proclaimed himself 'King of the New Jerusalem' and enforced communal ownership and polygamy within the city walls. Under his rule, Münster became a theocratic state governed by his millenarian vision, attracting followers from across Europe. His regime’s radical social and religious experiments challenged both Catholic and Protestant authorities alike. After a prolonged siege, Münster fell in 1535 and John of Leiden was executed in 1536, leaving a profound mark on Reformation history.

Vincent Pallotti was born in 1795 in Rome to a devout Catholic family. Ordained a priest in 1818, he dedicated his life to missionary work and caring for the poor. In 1835, he founded the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, known as the Pallottines, to promote the universal apostolate. Pallotti emphasized lay participation in the Church and encouraged active faith among all believers. His pastoral letters and missions revitalized parishes across Italy. He was beatified in 1950 and canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1963. Pallotti's legacy endures through the global network of Pallottine communities.

Pope Benedict XV led the Catholic Church from 1914 to 1922, a period marked by the turmoil of World War I. He maintained strict neutrality and repeatedly appealed for peace, issuing the 'Peace Note of 1917.' Benedict organized relief programs for war victims, helping prisoners and refugees. He also worked to rebuild the Church after the war and laid the groundwork for reconciliation in Europe. His papacy emphasized compassion and dialogue in a fractured world.

Graham Staines was born in 1941 in Australia and dedicated his life to serving leprosy patients in the tribal regions of Orissa, India. As a missionary and translator, he established mobile clinics and homes to provide medical care and social support to marginalized communities. His translation work helped bridge communication gaps between local villagers and international aid organizations. Staines's compassionate approach earned him widespread respect and deep friendships across cultural lines. In January 1999, he and his two young sons were tragically murdered by extremist assailants. His death sparked international outcry and remains a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by humanitarian workers.

Born Henri Grouès in 1912, Abbé Pierre was ordained as a Catholic priest before World War II. He joined the French Resistance, aiding refugees and allied soldiers. After the war, he became a vocal advocate for the poor and homeless, founding the first Emmaus community in 1949. His impassioned appeals during harsh winters mobilized public support and pressured the government to act on social housing. He also served briefly as a member of the French National Assembly. Abbé Pierre received international honors for his humanitarian work and inspired similar initiatives worldwide. His legacy lives on through the global Emmaus movement.

Thích Nhất Hạnh (1926–2022) was a Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk renowned for his teachings on mindfulness and engaged Buddhism. He founded the Plum Village Tradition in France as an international monastic community emphasizing meditation practice and compassionate living. His writings integrated Eastern spiritual traditions with Western thought, making Buddhism accessible to modern audiences. A tireless peace activist during the Vietnam War, he advocated nonviolence and reconciliation, influencing global peace movements. Hạnh authored over 100 books translated into multiple languages, and his practice has inspired millions worldwide. In recognition of his work, he received numerous honors, including the Niwano Peace Prize in 2015.