March 21

Born in 1474 in Desenzano del Garda, Angela Merici dedicated her life to educating girls and caring for the poor. In 1535, she established the Company of St. Ursula in Brescia, emphasizing literacy, Christian instruction, and charity. Her innovative approach empowered young women and set a precedent for female religious education in Europe. Despite initial resistance, her order expanded rapidly, with communities established across Italy and France. Canonized in 1807, Angela Merici’s legacy continues through the Ursuline Sisters and their educational institutions worldwide.

Born in 1626 in Tenerife, Peter Betancur traveled to Guatemala as a young man to pursue missionary work among indigenous peoples. He founded hospitals, schools, and shelters, focusing on serving the poor and sick. In 1653, he established the Order of the Brothers and Sisters of Our Lady of Bethlehem, emphasizing service to the marginalized. His humility and dedication earned widespread respect, and he was beatified in 1980 and canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. Peter’s initiatives laid the foundation for enduring social and educational programs in Central America.

Nathaniel Woodard devoted his life to strengthening the Church of England through education. In the mid-19th century, he established the first Woodard School at Lancing in Sussex, aiming to provide affordable, high-quality boarding education for middle-class boys. His educational model combined rigorous academics with strong moral and religious instruction. Over his lifetime, Woodard founded or influenced the creation of 22 schools, collectively known as the Woodard Corporation. His vision shaped English church schools and left a lasting legacy in British education.

Born in India, Nirmala Srivastava developed a distinctive approach to spirituality that she called Sahaja Yoga. She claimed to have experienced self-realization and sought to share this through meditation techniques accessible to people worldwide. Over her lifetime, she traveled to over 70 countries, conducting free public lectures and workshops to teach her methods. Srivastava's teachings emphasized inner transformation, stress relief, and the awakening of spiritual energy. She authored several books and established Sahaja Yoga centers in many cities. Her inclusive philosophy attracted followers from diverse backgrounds, including scientists, religious scholars, and laypeople. Despite occasional criticism from traditional institutions, she remained committed to her mission of widespread spiritual awakening. Her legacy lives on through an active global community that practices and expands upon her teachings.

Born in Nagasaki in 1946, he was ordained a priest in 1973 after studying at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. He held roles within the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and served in various capacities in Japan's episcopal conferences. Appointed Archbishop of Nagasaki in 2008, he became the first Japanese cardinal of the 21st century when created cardinal by Pope Francis in 2018. Cardinal Takami is known for his advocacy for nuclear disarmament and peace, reflecting his city's history as an atomic-bomb survivor. He has participated in numerous synods and international dialogues, promoting interreligious understanding. His leadership continues to shape the Catholic community in Japan and beyond.