July 16

Clare of Assisi was a 13th-century Italian nun and one of the close followers of St. Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares, emphasizing vows of poverty and prayer. As abbess of the convent at San Damiano, Clare led her community for over forty years, guiding many women on the spiritual path. She is credited with writing one of the first monastic rules authored by a woman, a testament to her leadership and faith. Canonized just two years after her death by Pope Alexander IV, she remains venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. Today, Saint Clare is remembered for her devotion, humility, and compassionate care for the poor and sick.

Mary Baker Eddy (1821–1910) was an American religious leader and author best known for founding the Christian Science church. Born in Bow, New Hampshire, she turned to spiritual healing during a serious illness and developed her doctrine of mind-based health. In 1875, she published 'Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,' which became the central text of her teachings. Eddy established the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston in 1879 and guided its rapid expansion through lectures and writings. Her work laid the foundation for a global religious movement that continues to practice spiritual healing and study her writings.

Lambert McKenna (1870–1956) was an Irish Jesuit priest and academic whose scholarship played a crucial role in the revival of the Irish language. After joining the Society of Jesus, he devoted himself to teaching and linguistic research, producing comprehensive Irish-English dictionaries. McKenna edited and published medieval Irish texts and manuscripts, providing critical editions that became foundational to Celtic studies. He taught classics and theology at Jesuit institutions across Ireland, mentoring future generations of scholars. His dedication to preserving Ireland’s linguistic heritage left an enduring impact on cultural and academic communities.

Fergus Gordon Kerr was born in 1931 in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and joined the English Dominican Province as a priest. He earned a doctorate in philosophy and became a leading scholar in the philosophy of religion, particularly on Thomas Aquinas and Ludwig Wittgenstein. Kerr taught for many years at the University of Edinburgh, mentoring generations of theologians and philosophers. He authored influential works and served as editor of the journal New Blackfriars. His contributions bridged academic theology and pastoral care.