March 13

In 1639, the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony formally named its new institution Harvard College after the young minister John Harvard. John Harvard had bequeathed half his estate and his library of 400 books to the college upon his death in 1638. The naming honored his generous gift, which was vital to the school’s early survival and growth. Harvard College welcomed its first classes the following year under the leadership of President Henry Dunster. It became the first long-standing college in what would become the United States. Over the centuries, Harvard has grown into a world-renowned university with a profound impact on education, research, and public life.

On March 13, 1826, Pope Leo XII issued the apostolic constitution Quo Graviora. The document reaffirmed and strengthened the Church’s ban on Catholic membership in freemasonry. Freemasonry was viewed by the papacy as a secret society promoting secular and potentially anti-clerical ideas. Quo Graviora called on bishops and clergy to enforce the prohibition and ensure the faithful remained loyal to Church teachings. This decree reflected ongoing tensions between the Catholic Church and emerging liberal movements of the 19th century. It continued a series of papal declarations aimed at curbing organizations seen as threats to ecclesiastical authority.

On March 13, 1964, Katharine Genovese, known as Kitty Genovese, was stabbed to death outside her apartment in Queens, New York. Initial reports claimed dozens of witnesses heard the attack but did not intervene or call for help. The widespread belief in public apathy led psychologists Bibb Latané and John Darley to conduct pioneering studies on the bystander effect. Their research demonstrated how individuals are less likely to help in emergencies when others are present. Although later investigations have questioned the accuracy of early media accounts, the case remains central to social psychology and our understanding of collective responsibility.

On March 13, 1997, the Missionaries of Charity, the religious order founded by Mother Teresa in 1950, announced Sister Nirmala Chyapanji as their new Superior General. Sister Nirmala had been Mother Teresa's trusted collaborator for decades, working closely with her in homes for the sick and destitute across the world. Her appointment marked the first leadership transition within the order, ensuring continuity of its mission to serve the poorest of the poor. Sister Nirmala pledged to uphold the organization's commitment to care for those on society's margins while preserving the compassion and humility modeled by Mother Teresa. Under her guidance, the Missionaries of Charity expanded healthcare clinics, orphanages, and outreach programs in dozens of countries. The global Catholic community welcomed the news, anticipating continued growth and impact under the new leadership.

On March 13, 2020, Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician, was shot and killed by Louisville Metro Police officers executing a faulty no-knock warrant at her apartment. Over twenty shots were fired; she was struck while sleeping in her bedroom. No weapons were found inside her home, leading to allegations of excessive force and negligence. Her death became a catalyst for the Black Lives Matter movement and nationwide demands for justice. Protesters called for accountability, policy reform, and an end to no-knock warrants. Advocates introduced legislation known as Breonna’s Law to ban no-knock warrants in Louisville and other jurisdictions. Taylor’s case highlighted systemic racism in law enforcement and spurred legislative efforts across the U.S. Her tragic death remains a profound moment in the struggle for civil rights and police reform.