June 14

Born in 1801 in Vermont, Heber C. Kimball became an early convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was ordained as one of the original apostles and later served as First Counselor in the First Presidency. Kimball led missionary efforts across the United States and helped settle communities in Utah. He was known for his charismatic leadership and dedication to church expansion. His influence shaped the early structure and growth of the Latter Day Saint movement. He died in 1868, remembered as a foundational figure in Mormon history.

Born in 1829 in France, Bernard Petitjean joined the Paris Foreign Missions Society. He arrived in Japan during the late Edo period, risking persecution to minister to hidden Christians. Petitjean located the Christian community in Urakami and helped restore their place of worship. He negotiated with Japanese authorities for religious tolerance and aided in rebuilding Catholic institutions. His efforts were crucial in rekindling Christianity in Japan after centuries of suppression. He died in 1884, remembered for his dedication and cultural bridging.

János Szlepecz was a Slovene Roman Catholic priest and author. Born in 1872, he was ordained to serve communities in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He wrote extensively on theological topics and the history of his native Slovene region. A devoted advocate for the Slovene language, he published articles in church journals. His works blended spiritual guidance with cultural commentary, preserving local traditions. Szlepecz's literary contributions helped strengthen Slovene identity within the Church. He continued his pastoral and writing work until his death in 1936, leaving a lasting cultural legacy.

Rowan Williams studied theology at Cambridge and Oxford before becoming Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford. He was appointed Archbishop of Wales in 1999 and, in 2002, became the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury, the senior bishop of the Church of England. Williams guided the Anglican Communion through debates on human sexuality, interfaith dialogue, and the role of modern society. An accomplished writer, he has published numerous books on theology, spirituality, and ethics, earning respect as a scholarly voice. After retiring in 2012, he served as Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, and continues to lecture internationally on faith and culture.