April 22

Born Pietro Vito Ottoboni in Venice in 1610, he was elected Pope Alexander VIII in 1689. His brief pontificate was marked by extensive nepotism, elevating family members to key positions. He became a significant patron of Baroque art and architecture, commissioning lavish church projects. Alexander VIII sought to reconcile post-war religious divisions and supported missionary activities. He reformed papal finances and legal structures but faced criticism for politicized appointments. His death in 1691 ended a controversial yet culturally vibrant papacy.

Solomon Caesar Malan (1812–1894) was a Swiss-English orientalist, translator, and linguist. He mastered numerous Asian and Middle Eastern languages, translating works from Sanskrit, Persian, and Arabic. Malan’s translation of the Upanishads and other Hindu scriptures brought Eastern thought to Victorian audiences. He served as a clergyman in London and continued his scholarly pursuits alongside his religious duties. His meticulous approach to translation emphasized fidelity to original texts and detailed scholarly notes. Malan’s work influenced subsequent generations of Orientalists and broadened Western understanding of Asian cultures.

Born in Darlington, South Carolina, Vernon Johns was a dynamic preacher known for his outspoken stance against racial segregation. As pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, he challenged local leaders and inspired congregations with his powerful rhetoric. Johns's sermons on justice and equality deeply influenced a young Martin Luther King Jr., who succeeded him in 1954. Throughout his career, he served various congregations, using the pulpit to advocate civil rights long before the movement gained national attention. Johns's fearless leadership and eloquence earned him recognition as a foundational figure in America's fight for equality.

John Pritchard was born on April 22, 1948. He studied theology at Oxford University and was ordained in 1974. Pritchard served as a parish priest before becoming Bishop of Oxford in 2007. During his tenure, he focused on evangelism, community outreach, and church growth. He chaired numerous church commissions on social justice and religious education. Pritchard has been a vocal advocate for interfaith dialogue and reconciliation. Retiring in 2016, he left a legacy of modernizing initiatives within the diocese.