April 02

Born as María Coronel y de Argüello in 1602, she became abbess of the Convent of the Immaculate Conception in Ágreda. She wrote the multi-volume 'Mystical City of God,' detailing visions of the life of the Virgin Mary. Her mystical correspondence with King Philip IV of Spain and other nobles shaped religious thought. She was renowned for her spiritual vision, reported bilocations, and strict monastic reforms. Her writings influenced both Catholic devotional practices and missionary work in the New World. She died in 1665, and her cause for sainthood has been promoted due to her theological contributions.

Dominic Savio was born in 1842 in San Giovanni, Italy. He became one of the youngest saints in the Catholic Church, canonized at age 14. As a pupil of Saint John Bosco, he impressed others with his deep faith and kindness. Savio wrote his 'Little Virtues' list to guide his personal spiritual growth. His short life inspired many young people to pursue holiness and service. He died of tuberculosis in 1857, and his feast day is celebrated on May 6.

Iván Persa was born in 1861 in Slovenia. He was ordained as a priest and served in parish ministries throughout his life. Persa authored several books and articles on theological topics and Slovenian cultural heritage. His writings aimed to educate and inspire both clergy and laypeople. Persa’s commitment to faith and scholarship made him a respected figure in his community. He died in 1935, leaving a legacy of religious and educational contributions.

Menachem Mendel Schneerson led the Chabad-Lubavitch movement from 1951 until his passing, guiding its transformation into a global network. He championed Jewish education, establishing schools and outreach centers on every continent. Schneerson emphasized the application of traditional Jewish teachings to modern life, earning respect across religious boundaries. His addresses, compiled in 'Likkutei Sichos,' offer insights on philosophy, science, and ethics. Under his leadership, Chabad emissaries spread to thousands of communities, making it one of the largest Jewish organizations worldwide. Schneerson's vision continues to inspire efforts in faith, service, and community building.

Alphonse-Marie Parent served as Superior General of the Clerics of Saint-Viateur and later as President of the Royal Commission on Education in Quebec. His 1963 'Parent Report' recommended sweeping changes, leading to the creation of a public secular school network. He championed greater accessibility and modernization of curricula to meet contemporary societal needs. Parent's leadership marked the beginning of the Quiet Revolution in Quebec, reshaping its cultural and educational landscape. His contributions earned him national recognition and enduring respect in educational circles. Parent's vision laid the foundation for Quebec’s modern education system.

Born Francisco Cândido Xavier in Pedro Leopoldo, Brazil, Chico Xavier claimed to psychograph over 400 books. He became a beloved spiritual medium, attracting millions with messages of hope and charity. Xavier dedicated his life to philanthropic causes, donating all proceeds from his works. While controversial within official religious circles, his influence on Spiritism remains profound. He is remembered as one of the most prolific figures in spiritual literature.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Joseph Louis Bernardin was ordained a priest in 1952 and rose quickly through the Church hierarchy, serving as Bishop of Atlanta and Archbishop of Cincinnati before his appointment to Chicago in 1982. Created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1983, he became a leading voice on issues of human rights, poverty, and ecumenism, promoting his 'seamless garment' approach to life ethics. Bernardin chaired the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and steered the Church toward dialogue on contentious social issues, earning respect for his pastoral sensitivity. After a battle with pancreatic cancer, he passed away in 1996, leaving a legacy of compassionate leadership and reconciliation.

Edward Michael Egan (b. April 2, 1932) was a prominent American prelate in the Roman Catholic Church. Ordained in 1957, he rose through the ranks, serving as Auxiliary Bishop of New York and as Bishop of Bridgeport, Connecticut. In 2000, he was appointed Archbishop of New York and elevated to Cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2001. Known for his pastoral leadership and influence in the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, he guided the New York archdiocese through challenges at the turn of the century. Egan retired in 2009 and continued to counsel church leaders until his death in 2015.

Born on April 2, 1934 in Austria, Rabbi Dovid Shmidel emigrated to Israel after World War II. He studied at leading yeshivot and became renowned for his expertise in halacha (Jewish law). Over decades, Shmidel has served as a rabbinical authority and educator, teaching students around the world and authoring works on ritual practice. His leadership in the Israeli religious community has influenced synagogue life and policy. Shmidel continues to lecture and mentor new generations of scholars.

Born in 1938 in Sweden, John Larsson dedicated over six decades to The Salvation Army. He held leadership roles around the world before his election as the 17th General in 1994. Under his guidance, the organization expanded its social services, community development projects, and spiritual outreach. He traveled extensively to promote humanitarian relief, youth programs, and evangelism in more than 100 countries. An accomplished author, he wrote several books on the history and mission of the Salvation Army. He retired in 1999 and continued to speak and write until his passing in 2022.