January 26

Born in London in 1657, William Wake was educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford. Ordained in the Church of England, he served as Bishop of Lincoln and Archbishop of Canterbury from 1716. Guided the Anglican Church through a period of political change under King George I and II. Advocated for church unity and opposed emerging dissenting movements. Patron of educational initiatives and promoter of ecclesiastical scholarship. Passed away in 1737, remembered for his learned approach and pastoral leadership.

Born in Edinburgh in 1722, Carlyle was educated at the University of Edinburgh. Ordained as a minister in the Church of Scotland and a leading figure among the Moderate Party. Friend and collaborator of Enlightenment thinkers such as Adam Smith. Authored influential memoirs and essays on Scottish religious and social life. Advocated for religious tolerance and rational theology. Died in 1805, his writings provide key insights into the Scottish Enlightenment.

August Froehlich (1891-1942) was a German Catholic priest known for his outspoken resistance to the Nazi regime. Serving in Silesia, he publicly criticized the persecution of Jews and the suppression of religious freedoms. His sermons and writings led to his arrest by the Gestapo in 1941. Transferred to Dachau concentration camp, he continued to minister to fellow prisoners under brutal conditions. Froehlich died in prison in 1942 and has since been recognized as a martyr by the Catholic Church. His courage remains a testament to faith and moral conviction in the face of tyranny.

Dimitrios Holevas was born in 1907 and became both a Greek Orthodox priest and a respected philologist. He specialized in the study of ancient Greek language and literature. Holevas published critical editions and commentaries on classical texts, contributing to Hellenistic scholarship. As a priest, he served parishes while teaching at theological seminaries. His dual career bridged religious service and academic research, influencing both fields. He passed away in 2001, leaving a body of work valued by theologians and classicists alike.

David Jenkins was educated at Keble College, Oxford, and ordained in 1946, beginning his ministry in parish churches. He became Bishop of Durham in 1984, where his writings and sermons on biblical interpretation and evolution sparked national debate. Jenkins challenged literalist readings of the Bible, advocating for a faith that embraces modern scientific understanding. His publications, including The Gospel According to David, questioned traditional doctrines and encouraged dialogue between theologians and scientists. After retiring in 1994, he continued to lecture and write, remembered as a reform-minded cleric who sought to reconcile faith with contemporary thought.

Séamus Hegarty was born on January 26, 1940, in Kilcar, County Donegal, Ireland. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1967 and served in various parishes across his native diocese. In 1982, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the Bishop of Raphoe, a position he held with distinction for twelve years. In 1994, he was transferred to the Diocese of Derry, where he guided the local Church through times of social and political change. He championed education initiatives and fostered ecumenical dialogue between different Christian communities. His leadership was marked by a deep pastoral concern and efforts to modernize diocesan structures. He resigned in 2011 due to health reasons and passed away in 2019, leaving a legacy of compassionate service and community engagement.