January 26

Deaths - Religious Figures & Clergy

738day.year

John of Dailam

(660 - 738)

Syrian monk and saint

John of Dailam was a 7th-8th century Syrian monk and saint honored in the Church of the East.

Born around 660 near Dailam in Persia, John of Dailam embraced the ascetic monastic life early on. He traveled extensively across Mesopotamia, founding monasteries and offering spiritual guidance. Renowned for his deep devotion, he became a symbol of piety and humility. His teachings and miracles earned him veneration among Eastern Christians. John’s legacy endured through the monastic communities he established, and he was later commemorated as a saint. He passed away in 738, leaving a lasting impact on monastic traditions.

738 John of Dailam

1814day.year

Manuel do Cenáculo

(1724 - 1814)

Portuguese prelate and antiquarian

Portuguese Catholic prelate and antiquarian renowned for founding one of Portugal’s earliest public libraries.

Manuel do Cenáculo was born in Santarém, Portugal, in 1724. He rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church to become a prelate dedicated to education and scholarship. A passionate antiquarian, he assembled one of the most comprehensive collections of manuscripts and rare books in Portugal and founded the Biblioteca Pública de Santarém, opening access to knowledge for scholars and citizens alike. His efforts laid the groundwork for public libraries in Portugal, and his legacy of cultural preservation endures through the institutions he established.

1814 Manuel do Cenáculo