August 02

Born in Ehden, Lebanon, in 1630, El Douaihy studied theology in Rome before returning home. Elected Patriarch in 1672, he led the Maronite Church for over three decades amid Ottoman rule. He convened synods to reform monastic life, standardize liturgy, and strengthen clerical education. His major work, 'Historia patriarcharum Maronitarum,' preserves invaluable accounts of Maronite leaders. He founded schools and promoted learning, ensuring continuity of Maronite traditions. El Douaihy died in 1704, celebrated as a scholar and shepherd of his church.

Lorenzo Ricci was an Italian cardinal and the eighteenth Superior General of the Society of Jesus. He led the Jesuit order during a time of political pressure from European monarchies to suppress the society. Under his leadership, the Jesuits expanded missions in the Americas and Asia. Ricci faced expulsion of Jesuits from several countries and eventually from the Papal States. In 1773, Pope Clement XIV issued a brief suppressing the Society of Jesus, ending his generalate. Ricci died under house arrest in Rome, remembered for his dedication to education and missionary work.

Cyril VI (born 2 April 1902) was enthroned as the 116th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark in 1959. He guided the Coptic Orthodox Church through a period of social and political change in Egypt. He oversaw the construction of monasteries and the expansion of theological education. He promoted pastoral care and a revival of monastic life within the church. His tenure strengthened the global Coptic community and fostered greater interfaith dialogue.

Pierre DuMaine was ordained a priest in 1958 and later became the first bishop of the Diocese of San Jose in 1982. As a bishop, he guided his flock with emphasis on education, social justice, and pastoral care. Beyond his ecclesiastical duties, DuMaine taught theology and ethics at Santa Clara University, mentoring generations of students. His leadership was marked by compassion and a commitment to interfaith dialogue. After retiring in 1999, DuMaine continued to write and lecture on moral theology. His legacy endures through his writings and the many lives he touched.

Angel Lagdameo (1940–2022) was a Filipino prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He was ordained in 1966 and served in various pastoral roles before being appointed Bishop of Dumaguete in 1989. In 2000, he became Archbishop of Jaro, overseeing one of the oldest dioceses in the Philippines. Lagdameo championed social programs, education, and interfaith dialogue throughout his ministry. He served as President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines from 2005 to 2009. His leadership and advocacy left a lasting impact on the Filipino Catholic community.