August 24

Thomas Rotherham (1423–1500) was a prominent English cleric, statesman, and academic leader. He served as Lord Chancellor of England under Kings Edward IV and Richard III, influencing royal policy. In 1480, he became Archbishop of York, overseeing ecclesiastical reforms and church administration. Rotherham was also Chancellor of Cambridge University, founding scholarships and expanding the college library. Renowned for his financial acumen, he left a legacy of charitable endowments and academic patronage.

Philip Henry was an English nonconformist minister born in 1631. A graduate of Trinity College, Oxford, he served as a parish priest before his ejection from the Church of England in 1662. Henry continued to preach privately, becoming known for his pious devotion and pastoral care. He kept a detailed diary that offers a rare glimpse into 17th-century religious life and practice. His theological writings and sermons emphasize practical godliness and family worship. Henry's steadfast faith during persecution inspired many dissenters of his time. He died in 1696, remembered for his spiritual legacy and written works.

Richard James Cushing was born in Boston in 1895 and ordained as a priest in 1921. He served as Bishop of Providence before being appointed Archbishop of Boston in 1944. Elevated to Cardinal in 1958, he played a key role in the Second Vatican Council, advocating for liturgical reforms. Cushing was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement and worked to strengthen Catholic education through school expansion. He fostered ecumenical dialogue with other faiths, notably befriending President John F Kennedy. His charismatic leadership modernized the Church’s outreach and engagement. Cardinal Cushing retired in 1970 and died later that year, leaving a legacy of social justice and interfaith cooperation.

Born in 1932 in New York City, Robert D. Hales served as a captain in the U.S. Navy before dedicating his life to religious service. He was called as an apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1994 and became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Hales oversaw global church operations and authored numerous devotional talks on faith and family. His leadership emphasized humanitarian service and spiritual education. He continued to minister to members worldwide until his passing in 2017.

Born in 1932 in Reading, England, Cormac Murphy-O'Connor was ordained in 1956 and became a bishop in 1977. He was appointed Archbishop of Westminster in 2000 and created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II. As president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, he fostered interfaith dialogue and led the church through significant social issues. Murphy-O'Connor chaired the Council of European Bishops' Conferences and represented British Catholics at Vatican II commemorations. He retired in 2009 and remained an influential voice until his death in 2017.

Born in Hope, Arkansas, Mike Huckabee graduated from Ouachita Baptist University before beginning his career as a Baptist minister. He entered politics as lieutenant governor in 1993 and succeeded to the governorship in 1996. During his tenure, he focused on education reform, economic development, and welfare modernization. He won reelection twice and served until 2007. Huckabee later pursued the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and again in 2016. His blend of evangelical faith and conservative politics has made him a prominent voice in American public life. He currently hosts a talk show and remains active in charitable initiatives.