August 23

Stanisław Lubieniecki (1623–1675) was a Polish astronomer, theologian, and historian. He published pioneering observations of comets and contributed to early modern astronomy. A member of the Socinian community, his theological works reflected his rationalist beliefs. Lubieniecki's 'Theatrum Cometicum' catalogued cometary appearances over centuries. His comprehensive historical studies spanned religious, cultural, and scientific topics.

James Roosevelt Bayley (1814–1877) was an American Catholic bishop and first Archbishop of Baltimore. Born into a prominent family, he converted to Catholicism and dedicated his life to the Church. Bayley founded the College of Saint Elizabeth, the first Catholic college for women in the U.S. He established schools, orphanages, and other charitable institutions across his dioceses. As bishop and archbishop, he oversaw the expansion of parishes during a time of rapid Catholic growth. Bayley's administrative reforms strengthened ecclesiastical structures in the post-Civil War era. He is remembered for his leadership in education and pastoral outreach.

Giacomo Bini was an Italian priest of the Comboni Missionaries who dedicated his life to missionary work in Africa. Born in 1938, he was ordained in 1962 and soon after was sent to Tanzania to serve local communities. Bini focused on education, healthcare, and interfaith dialogue, establishing schools and clinics in underserved regions. He later served as Superior General of the Comboni Missionaries, guiding the order's global missions. His leadership emphasized cultural respect and the empowerment of local populations. Bini also authored articles on missionary theology and social justice. He passed away in 2014, leaving a legacy of compassion and service.

Kong Hee is a Singaporean pastor who co-founded City Harvest Church in 1989. Under his leadership, the church grew rapidly to become one of Asia's largest megachurches. In 2012, he was arrested and later convicted for misappropriating millions of dollars of church funds. His trial became one of the most high-profile religious scandals in Singapore's history. Sentenced to eight years in prison, he has since become a focal point in discussions about church governance and financial transparency.