May 04

Born in 1006 in Herat, Khwaja Abdullah Ansari emerged as one of the foremost Sufi masters.\nHe composed profound works on spirituality, including the influential Stations of the Sufi Way.\nHis poetry elegantly intertwines mystical experiences with devotional themes.\nHis teachings on love and direct communion with the divine shaped later Sufi thought.\nHe died in 1088, and his legacy endures in Persian literature and Sufi practice.\nHis shrine in Herat remains a revered destination for seekers of spiritual wisdom.

Francis Spellman served as Archbishop of New York from 1939 until his death in 1967, becoming one of the most powerful figures in the American Catholic Church. Elevated to cardinal in 1946, he wielded significant influence in both religious and political spheres, advocating against communism and supporting civil rights initiatives. Spellman maintained close relationships with U.S. presidents and played a key role in postwar Vatican diplomacy. Known for his fundraising prowess, he expanded Catholic education and social services across New York. His leadership during the Second Vatican Council and the Cold War era left a lasting impact on global Catholicism.