March 15

Born in 1591, Alexandre de Rhodes traveled to Southeast Asia as a Jesuit missionary. He immersed himself in Vietnamese language and culture, compiling dictionaries and grammar guides. His work laid the foundation for chữ Quốc ngữ, the romanized Vietnamese script still used today. Rhodes also corresponded extensively with European scholars, introducing Vietnam's traditions abroad. He authored missionary reports and religious texts that influenced both ecclesiastical and linguistic developments. Rhodes died in 1660 after decades of service in Asia.

William Milligan was a distinguished Scottish theologian and minister of the Free Church of Scotland. He built a reputation through rigorous scholarship on New Testament exegesis and church history. Milligan served as Professor of Theology at Aberdeen and later at Edinburgh. His major works include commentaries on the Epistles and studies on the doctrine of the Church. He combined pastoral duties with academic research, influencing generations of theologians. Milligan's clear writing and deep faith made him a respected voice in Victorian-era theology.

Blessed Jules Chevalier was a French Catholic priest and founder of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. He established the congregation in 1854 to minister to the poor and evangelize through acts of compassion. Chevalier promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a source of love and mercy. Under his leadership, the order expanded globally, establishing missions in Oceania, Asia, and Africa. He wrote devotional texts and organized charitable works, emphasizing solidarity with the marginalized. Chevalier's spiritual legacy continues through the international network of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.

Saint Daniele Comboni was an Italian Catholic missionary and founder of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus. He arrived in Africa in 1857, working tirelessly to establish missions in Sudan and neighboring regions. Comboni developed innovative methods for training indigenous clergy and promoting local leadership. He survived years of hardship and conflict while caring for communities during epidemics. Comboni's vision emphasized cultural respect and education as keys to lasting missionary work. Canonized in 2003, his legacy endures in missions throughout Africa and beyond.

Jimmy Swaggart rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as a Pentecostal minister reaching millions through his television broadcasts. His 'Jimmy Swaggart Telecast' featured sermons, gospel music performances and evangelistic messages. Swaggart founded the SonLife Broadcasting Network and the World Evangelism headquarters in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Despite personal controversies in the late 1980s, he maintained a devoted following and continued his ministry. He authored books on faith and produced gospel recordings with top artists. Swaggart’s influence shaped televangelism and modern Christian broadcasting.

Michael Scott-Joynt (1943–2014) was an influential bishop in the Church of England. He served as Bishop of Winchester from 1995 until his retirement in 2010. Before that, he was the Bishop of Sherborne and then Bishop of Liverpool. Scott-Joynt was known for his evangelical convictions and his contributions to church policy debates. He played a key role in community outreach and interfaith dialogue within his dioceses. Remembered for his pastoral care and leadership, he left a lasting impact on the Church and its congregations.