May 11

Born in Macerata in 1552, Matteo Ricci entered the Jesuit order and embarked for Asia in 1582. He mastered classical Chinese language and Confucian texts, gaining the trust of Ming court scholars. Ricci introduced European astronomy, mathematics, geography, and cartography, translating Euclid's Elements into Chinese and creating one of the first world maps in Chinese characters. His intercultural approach blended Jesuit theology with Chinese traditions, fostering dialogue and mutual respect. Ricci's work laid the foundation for sustained scientific and cultural exchange between Europe and China.

Jozef Murgaš was a Slovak-American Roman Catholic priest and polymath. He immigrated to the United States, where he balanced pastoral duties with scientific inquiry. Murgaš studied botany, identifying native plant species and contributing to botanical knowledge. As an architect, he designed churches and community buildings for Slovak immigrants. He was also an accomplished painter, capturing religious and natural themes in his art. His multifaceted talents reflected a Renaissance spirit, bridging science, art, and faith. His legacy remains celebrated among Slovak communities and historians of science.

Born in 1916 in Wales, Davies studied theology and was ordained in the Church of England. He served as a parish priest before becoming a professor of church history. Davies published influential works on medieval ecclesiastical structures and canon law. He lectured at universities and contributed to academic journals, deepening understanding of the medieval church's societal role. He died in 2005, leaving a respected scholarly and clerical legacy.