January 25

Gregory Nazianzus (329–390), known as Gregory the Theologian, was a founding figure of early Christian theology. He served briefly as Patriarch of Constantinople and played a pivotal role at the First Council of Constantinople in 381. Renowned for his eloquent sermons and theological poems, he championed the doctrine of the Trinity against Arianism. His writings blended classical Greek style with Christian thought and influenced both Eastern and Western Church traditions. Remembered as a Doctor of the Church, his works continue to shape Orthodox and Catholic theology.

Pope Gregory IV (795–844) served as Bishop of Rome from 827 until his death. Collaborating with Emperor Louis the Pious, he bolstered the alliance between the papacy and the Carolingian Empire. Gregory convened synods to address church discipline and heresy, notably the Synod of Thionville. He supported missionary campaigns among the Saxons and Slavs, expanding Christian outreach in northern Europe. His leadership helped solidify papal authority during a period of political fragmentation.

Petrus Pierleoni (d. 1138), known as Antipope Anacletus II, emerged during the papal election crisis of 1130. Backed by powerful Roman families, he opposed Pope Innocent II’s election, leading to nearly a decade of schism. Anacletus controlled Rome and parts of central Italy while Innocent II sought support from European monarchs and the Church. The conflict highlighted tensions between secular and ecclesiastical powers. His death in 1138 dissolved much of the division, allowing for the reunification of the Church under Innocent II.

Born around 1300 in Konstanz, Henry Suso joined the Dominican Order as a young man and devoted his life to the pursuit of divine love. He became known for his vivid mystical experiences and authored influential works such as The Little Book of Eternal Wisdom and Horologium Sapientiae. Through his writings, Suso explored themes of suffering, divine union, and the soul's journey toward God. His teachings emphasized humility, contemplative prayer, and the transformative power of the cross. Despite facing opposition from church authorities, he maintained a deep commitment to the reform of monastic life. Suso's legacy endures in Christian mysticism, and his works continue to inspire readers with their poetic insight and spiritual depth.

W. G. Read Mullan served the Society of Jesus as a devoted priest and scholar in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He taught philosophy and theology at Jesuit colleges, shaping the curriculum and mentoring young seminarians. As an academic leader, he emphasized intellectual rigor and the integration of faith and reason in education. Mullan authored theological essays and supported the expansion of Jesuit educational institutions across the United States. He died in 1910, remembered for his dedication to teaching and his impact on Catholic higher education.

Born in 1936, Richard McBrien served as a professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame for over three decades. He authored the widely acclaimed textbook 'Catholicism', which became a standard resource for students and clergy worldwide. McBrien contributed to numerous ecclesiastical commissions, offering insights on modernizing church practices and teachings. His scholarship addressed contemporary moral and social issues, encouraging open dialogue within the Catholic community. Known for his clear and engaging writing style, he made complex theological concepts approachable for lay audiences. McBrien died on January 25, 2015, leaving a profound legacy in modern Catholic theology.