February 20

Yohannan Sulaqa, a leader within the Church of the East, traveled to Rome seeking papal support amid internal divisions. Pope Julius III recognized Sulaqa's authority and ordained him as a bishop, effectively establishing a Catholic hierarchy for Chaldean Christians. This act marked the formal beginning of the Chaldean Catholic Church, uniting Eastern liturgy with Roman Catholic doctrine. The new church offered an alternative to the traditional Nestorian patriarchate and secured political and spiritual backing from the Papacy. Over time, Chaldean Catholics preserved their distinctive liturgical rites while being incorporated into the wider Catholic world. The 1553 ordination remains a pivotal moment in the history of Eastern Christianity and its relationship with Rome.

In February 1952, Emmett Ashford was given authorization to serve as a substitute umpire in the Southwestern International League. His appointment made him the first African-American to officiate professional baseball games in the Jim Crow era. Known for his energetic style and authoritative presence, Ashford earned respect from players and fans alike. He navigated racial barriers to pave the way for future minority umpires at all levels of the sport. Over the next decade, Ashford officiated in the Pacific Coast League before becoming Major League Baseball’s first African-American umpire in 1966. His career remains a landmark in both sports and civil rights history.