May 15

Born in 1608 in Drôme, France, Goupil joined the Jesuit mission in New France as a lay missionary and surgeon. He traveled to the Wyandot and Iroquois territories to provide medical aid and evangelize indigenous peoples. In 1642, he was captured by Mohawk warriors and killed during his captivity, refusing to renounce his faith. Goupil was beatified in 1925 and canonized in 1930, becoming the first canonized saint of the Americas. He is celebrated for his selfless service, courage, and dedication to his missionary calling. His legacy lives on in Jesuit history and Catholic hagiography.

Born Harumi Setouchi, Jakucho Setouchi was a prominent Japanese novelist and Buddhist nun who blended religious devotion with literary creativity. She gained critical acclaim for works such as Natsu no Owari, which won the Women’s Literary Award for its candid exploration of female experience. After taking vows in 1973, she founded the Buddhist monastery Saikai-ji, promoting peace, literacy, and women’s rights. Setouchi's modern translations of The Tale of Genji made classical literature accessible to contemporary readers. Her activism against capital punishment and advocacy for social issues earned her widespread respect until her death in 2021.

Born in 1946 in Quảng Bình Province, Thadeus Nguyễn Văn Lý was ordained a Catholic priest in 1974. He became a vocal critic of the Vietnamese government's restrictions on religious practice. Lý co-founded the pro-democracy movement Block 8406 and authored open letters demanding political and social reform. He endured multiple arrests and years of imprisonment and house arrest for his activism. International human rights organizations have recognized him for his courage and advocacy for freedom.