February 21

Born in London in 1801, Newman excelled at Oriel College, Oxford, where he became a leading figure of the Oxford Movement seeking to revive catholic elements within Anglicanism. In 1845 he converted to Roman Catholicism and was ordained a priest two years later. He founded the Birmingham Oratory and became a prolific writer, authoring Apologia Pro Vita Sua and numerous theological works. Elevated to cardinal in 1879, his ideas on conscience, education, and doctrine impacted church reform. Canonized as a saint in 2019, his legacy endures in ecumenical dialogue and religious education worldwide.

Mirra Alfassa, also known as 'The Mother,' was a French-Indian spiritual leader and collaborator of Sri Aurobindo. Born in Paris in 1878, she moved to Pondicherry in 1920 to join the Indian philosopher and became the guiding force of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Alfassa established a spiritual community that combined Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, emphasizing integral yoga and self-transformation. She laid the groundwork for Auroville, an international township dedicated to human unity and sustainable living. Under her guidance, the ashram grew into a vibrant center for spiritual seekers from around the world. Alfassa's teachings continue to influence contemporary spirituality and holistic practices globally.