August 08

Born in 1170 in Caleruega, Spain, Dominic Guzmán dedicated his life to the Church. He established the Dominican Order in 1216 to combat heresy through preaching and education. He emphasized scholarly study, pastoral work, and the vow of poverty for his friars. Under his leadership, the order expanded rapidly across Europe and the Mediterranean. He fostered the growth of schools and universities, influencing Catholic intellectual life. Canonized in 1234, his legacy endures in the global network of Dominican institutions.

Born in 1876 in Kerala, India, Palakkappilly was ordained a priest in the Syro-Malabar Church. He dedicated his life to serving the poor and marginalized. In 1927, he founded the Sisters of the Destitute, focusing on caring for orphans, the elderly, and the destitute. Under his leadership, the congregation grew rapidly, establishing hospitals, schools, and social service centers across India. His innovative approach to combining spiritual guidance with social welfare earned him wide recognition. Despite health challenges, he continued his work until his death in 1929. Today, he is remembered for his compassion and visionary leadership in social service.

Born in Brighton, Nick Holtam studied theology at Christ's College, Cambridge, before ordination in 1978. He served in parishes across Sussex and was Archdeacon of Lewes and Hastings prior to his episcopal appointment. In 2011, he became the Bishop of Salisbury, focusing on community engagement and environmental stewardship. Holtam was a leading voice in the Church of England on issues such as LGBTQ inclusion and education reform. He chaired the Church's Education Committee and supported interfaith dialogue. After retiring in 2021, he continued to write and speak on theology and social justice, earning respect for his progressive leadership.