May 09

Ascending the throne as a young boy, Al-Adid reigned under the influence of successive viziers. His era saw the Caliphate’s power wane as regional commanders gained autonomy. The rise of Salah ad-Din as vizier culminated in the abolition of the Fatimid Caliphate in 1171. After Saladin declared allegiance to the Abbasid Caliphate, Al-Adid’s authority was effectively ended. He died later that year, marking the conclusion of Shi’a Fatimid rule in Egypt and North Africa. Al-Adid is remembered as the last symbol of Fatimid legitimacy amidst the shifting tides of medieval Islamic politics.

Born in Toledo in 1555, Jerónima joined the Conceptionist order and felt called to overseas mission work. In 1593 she led a group of nuns to the Philippines, establishing the Convent of Santa Clara in Manila. Her community provided education and spiritual guidance to Spanish settlers and indigenous women. She overcame linguistic, cultural, and environmental challenges to build a lasting religious institution. Jerónima’s efforts marked the beginning of female monastic life in Asia and expanded the reach of the Catholic Church. She died in 1630, and her legacy endures in Philippine religious heritage and women’s history.

Daniel Berrigan was born in Virginia, Minnesota, and entered the Society of Jesus in 1939. He gained national attention for burning draft files in 1968 as part of the Catonsville Nine protest against the Vietnam War. A prolific writer, Berrigan published poetry, plays, and memoirs reflecting his commitment to social justice. He survived a prison sentence and became a symbol of nonviolent resistance and faith-based activism. Berrigan continued advocating for peace and nuclear disarmament until his death in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of moral courage.