February 20

Born in 709, he became Bishop of Catania and dedicated his life to pastoral care. He was known for miraculous healings and exorcisms that attracted pilgrims. Leo fiercely opposed corrupt officials and defended his flock against invaders. He established hospitals and alms houses to aid the destitute. His writings on faith and morality influenced later ecclesiastical thought. Venerated as a patron saint of Catania, his feast day is celebrated on February 20. His legacy endures in the cathedral of Catania, where relics are still revered.

Born around 1080 in Somerset, Wulfric served briefly as a priest before withdrawing to a hermitage near Haselbury Plucknett. He lived in close communion with nature, adhering to strict fasting and prayer. Pilgrims and nobles sought his counsel and were said to receive healing and prophecy. Wulfric famously warned King Henry I of his death and predicted events in England’s church and monarchy. His piety and miracles inspired devotion, leading to local veneration after his death in 1154. Miracles at his tomb attracted pilgrims to his chapel. Though never formally canonized, he is celebrated in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

Born in 1213, Al-Musta'sim ascended to the Abbasid Caliphate in 1242, inheriting a realm weakened by internal strife. Under his rule, the Mongol Empire under Hulagu Khan advanced toward the Middle East. Despite warnings, Al-Musta'sim failed to form effective alliances or fortify Baghdad adequately. In 1258, the city fell after a brutal siege, leading to massive destruction and loss of life. The Mongols executed Al-Musta'sim, ending the 500-year Abbasid Caliphate. His death symbolized the collapse of classical Islamic authority. The fall of Baghdad had lasting cultural and political ramifications across the Islamic world.

Born Oddone Colonna in 1368, he became Cardinal before the schism divided the Catholic Church. In 1417, he was elected Pope Martin V at the Council of Constance, bringing an end to the rival papacies. His pontificate focused on healing divisions, reforming church finances, and restoring papal authority. Martin patronized Renaissance art and scholarship, commissioning architects and artists in Rome. He negotiated peace among European powers and addressed heretical movements. Martin V traveled less than other popes but strengthened the Vatican’s administrative structures. His death in 1431 marked the start of a stable papacy leading into the High Renaissance.

Born in 1910 in Aljustrel, Portugal, Jacinta Marto was one of the three young visionaries at Fátima in 1917. She reported several appearances of the Virgin Mary alongside her cousins Francisco and Lúcia. Jacinta suffered from illness following the events of 1918 but remained devout until her death in 1920 at age nine. Her humility and reported miracles led to her beatification in 2000. She was canonized by Pope Francis in 2017, becoming the youngest female saint in modern times.

Kathryn Kuhlman began her ministry in the 1940s, drawing crowds with reports of miraculous healings. She hosted weekly television and radio programs that reached millions across the United States. Kuhlman founded a healing temple in Pittsburgh, where she conducted large-scale revival meetings. She emphasized the work of the Holy Spirit and encouraged personal spiritual experiences over dogma. Despite controversies over her methods, she remained hugely popular and influenced later charismatic and Pentecostal movements. Kuhlman published books and taught seminars on spiritual healing and Christian living. She mentored other evangelists and advocated for compassionate outreach to the sick and marginalized. She died in 1976, leaving a lasting impact on modern charismatic Christianity.

Fernando Cardenal (1934–2016) was a Jesuit priest and revolutionary political figure in Nicaragua. As Minister of Education after the 1979 Sandinista revolution, he spearheaded a national literacy crusade that taught over half a million adults to read. His innovative program combined education with social empowerment in rural and urban communities. Cardenal’s work earned global recognition for its impact on literacy and development. Despite tensions with the Vatican over liberation theology, he remained dedicated to social justice and education. His legacy endures as a symbol of faith-driven activism and grassroots reform.