July 22

Lawrence of Brindisi, born Giulio Cesare Russo in 1559, entered the Capuchin order and took the name Lawrence. He became renowned for his oratory skills, theological scholarship, and leadership during the Counter-Reformation. Lawrence served as a missionary in various European regions, negotiating peace treaties and strengthening Catholic communities. He was appointed cardinal by Pope Paul V for his contributions to the Church. His writings on Scripture and doctrine remain influential in Catholic theology. Canonized in 1881, he is revered as Doctor of the Church and patron against headaches. Lawrence of Brindisi died in 1619, leaving a legacy of faith, scholarship, and peacemaking.

Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647–1690) was a French Visitation nun. She reported visions of Jesus emphasizing love and mercy symbolized by his Sacred Heart. Alacoque worked to promote the Feast of the Sacred Heart and a Novena devotion. Despite initial skepticism, her advocacy gained papal approval in the 18th century. She is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, canonized in 1920. Her spiritual writings and devotion continue to influence Christian piety.

Jakob Hurt was a pioneering figure in Estonian cultural studies in the 19th century. He collected and published thousands of folk songs and tales, preserving the heritage of his nation. As a theologist he served congregations while advocating for the Estonian language in religious and academic contexts. Hurt organized extensive folklore expeditions, inspiring future generations of scholars and folklorists. His work laid the foundation for the study of Finno-Ugric languages and his legacy remains central to Estonian identity.

William Archibald Spooner was an Oxford academic who served as Warden of New College for over forty years. He became famous for his verbal slips, in which initial sounds of words are transposed, leading to terms known as spoonerisms. Though often lampooned for his gaffes, Spooner was a respected scholar of theology and classics. His gentle personality and sense of humor made him a beloved figure among students and colleagues. The enduring popularity of spoonerisms has immortalized his name in English language humor.

Baselios Thomas I (1929-2024) served as the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Ordained in Kerala, India, in 1958, he was consecrated as Metropolitan in 1975. He led significant church reforms, promoting theological education and ecumenical dialogue. Under his guidance, the church expanded its social welfare and educational initiatives across India. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen spiritual life and preserve ancient liturgical traditions.

Rolando Joven Tria Tirona is a Filipino Roman Catholic archbishop who has served as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Caceres since 2012. He was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Libmanan in 1970 and later appointed bishop of the Prelature of Infanta. Archbishop Tirona is known for his pastoral leadership, commitment to social justice, and efforts to support indigenous communities. He has played a key role in church education and interfaith dialogue in the Bicol region. Through his ministry, he advocates for youth formation, ecumenism, and humanitarian outreach.

Born Dan Ioan Ciobotea on July 22, 1951 in Năsăud, Romania, Patriarch Daniel pursued theological studies at the University of Bucharest before rising through the ranks of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Elected Patriarch in 2007, he has overseen significant initiatives to modernize church administration and engage with global Orthodox communities. He is known for promoting interfaith dialogue and launching charitable projects that address social issues such as poverty and education. A prolific writer, he has authored numerous theological works and pastoral letters. Under his leadership, the Romanian Orthodox Church has strengthened its role in both national life and international religious discourse.