August 04

Born in 1786, Jean-Marie Vianney overcame early academic challenges to join the priesthood. Appointed parish priest of Ars in 1818, he became famous for spending up to 16 hours a day hearing confessions and guiding penitents. His austere lifestyle, deep humility, and reports of miraculous healings drew pilgrims from across Europe. Vianney’s emphasis on personal holiness and simple pastoral care revitalized the Catholic Church in post-Revolution France. Canonized in 1925 and named patron saint of parish priests in 1929, his life exemplifies selfless service and spiritual dedication. Today, the Curé d’Ars remains a model for clergy worldwide.

Born in Puebla in 1878, Margarito Bautista was one of the first indigenous members of the Latter-day Saint movement in Mexico. He developed unique theological ideas emphasizing the gathering of Israel and the role of indigenous peoples. Bautista established agricultural colonies in Chihuahua and founded the El Reino de Dios en su Plenitud community. He authored religious texts that blended Mormon beliefs with Nahua traditions. His movement persisted despite tensions with church authorities. Bautista died in 1961, and his legacy endures among certain independent Latter-day Saint groups in Mexico.

Enrique Angelelli was born in Córdoba, Argentina, in 1923 and ordained a priest in 1948. Appointed bishop of La Rioja in 1968, he embraced liberation theology and championed the rights of the poor. Angelelli openly criticized the abuses of Argentina's 1976 military junta. In August of that year, he was killed in a suspicious car accident orchestrated by regime forces. His death was officially declared an accident but later recognized as an assassination. Angelelli was beatified by Pope Francis in 2019. He is remembered as a symbol of faith-driven social activism and martyrdom.