July 31

Jean Denis Attiret joined the Jesuit China mission in the 1730s and became court painter to Emperor Qianlong. He introduced European perspective and oil painting methods to Chinese imperial workshops. Attiret's works include portraits of the emperor and decorative murals in the Forbidden City. He skillfully blended Western realism with traditional Chinese themes, influencing Qing dynasty art. His artistic exchange helped establish a unique Sino-European style during the 18th century.

Pedro Ignacio de Castro Barros was a Catholic priest and influential politician in early 19th-century Argentina. He served as a representative at the Congress of Tucumán in 1816, which declared Argentina’s independence from Spain. Barros combined his religious vocation with advocacy for political and social reforms in the emerging nation. He later held various public offices, contributing to the establishment of Argentina’s educational and governmental institutions. His dual roles as clergy and statesman left a lasting imprint on Argentine history.

Herbert William Armstrong (1892-1986) was an American evangelist who founded the Worldwide Church of God in 1934. He launched The Plain Truth magazine and used radio broadcasts to spread his teachings internationally. Armstrong established Ambassador College in California to train ministers in his interpretation of the Bible. Under his leadership, the church grew rapidly, reaching tens of thousands of members worldwide. His doctrines combined elements of Adventism and British Israelism, attracting both admiration and criticism. After his death, the church underwent doctrinal changes, but his influence endures among fundamentalist communities.

Joseph Charbonneau (1892-1959) was a Canadian Roman Catholic archbishop who led the Archdiocese of Montreal. Ordained in 1916, he rose through the clergy and became a vocal supporter of workers during the Asbestos Strike of 1949. His public advocacy for labor rights drew both praise and controversy within the Church hierarchy. Charbonneau resigned his post in 1959 to continue pastoral work with underserved communities. He remains a symbol of compassion and progressive leadership in Canadian religious history.

Born in Beaver, Utah, in 1920, Faust earned a law degree from the University of Utah. He practiced law and served as a bishop and stake president in his church. In 1978, he was called as an apostle of the LDS Church, later becoming Second Counselor in the First Presidency in 1995. Faust traveled extensively, representing his faith and engaging in interfaith dialogue around the world. He was known for his legal acumen and compassionate leadership. He served in the First Presidency until his death in 2007, leaving a lasting impact on his community.