September 05

Born Katharina Liesgen in Strasbourg, she married reformer Matthäus Zell in 1523 and became a vital partner in his ministry. She authored pamphlets and letters defending Protestant theology and preached publicly at a time when female voices were rare. During the iconoclastic controversies, she provided refuge and aid to those fleeing persecution, organizing relief for the sick and displaced. After her husband's death in 1548, she continued her charitable and religious work, serving the community during sieges of Strasbourg. Zell's outspoken faith and social activism made her a pioneering figure in the Reformation. She died in 1562, leaving a legacy of devotion, scholarship, and service.

Born around 1500 in Yorkshire, Bonner studied at Cambridge and rose rapidly under Henry VIII, supporting the monarch's break from Rome. Appointed Bishop of London in 1539, he later served as ambassador to Emperor Charles V. Under Queen Mary I, he enforced Catholic doctrine and presided over the trials of prominent Protestants, earning him the epithet 'Bloody Bonner.' After Elizabeth I's accession, he refused to accept the new religious settlement and was imprisoned, spending his final years in the Tower of London. He died in captivity in 1569, his legacy emblematic of the turbulence of the English Reformation. Bonner's career highlights the shifting fortunes of church leaders during one of England's most turbulent eras.

Born in 1869 in Ontario, Canada, Kathleen O'Melia joined the Sisters of Providence and devoted her life to education and healthcare. She traveled to remote communities to establish schools and clinics, focusing on providing services to underserved populations. Known for her compassionate approach and leadership, Sister O'Melia trained other sisters in teaching methods and medical care. She also organized fundraising efforts and collaborated with local authorities to improve social welfare programs. Over decades of service, she impacted countless lives through her commitment to faith-driven humanitarian work. Sister O'Melia passed away in 1939, remembered for her enduring contributions to community health and education.

Alberto di Jorio was born in 1884 in Casalvieri, Italy, and was ordained a priest in 1907. He joined the Roman Curia, eventually overseeing financial affairs as vice-president of the Institute for Works of Religion (the Vatican Bank). Elevated to cardinal-deacon by Pope Paul VI in 1967, di Jorio participated in the Second Vatican Council, influencing economic decisions within the Church. Known for his administrative acumen, he helped modernize Vatican financial practices during a period of significant institutional change. He remained a senior Curial figure until his death in 1979, leaving a legacy of fiscal reform in the Church’s central administration.

Born in 1926, Basil Salvadore D'Souza was ordained a priest in the Roman Catholic Church and later appointed Bishop of Mangalore. He was known for his dedication to pastoral care, focusing on improving the lives of the poor and marginalized communities. Under his leadership, the diocese expanded its network of schools, hospitals, and social service centers across Karnataka. He promoted interfaith dialogue and worked towards communal harmony in a region marked by religious diversity. Bishop D'Souza emphasized education by founding institutes for higher learning and supporting scholarship programs. He served the church faithfully until his death on September 5, 1996. His legacy lives on through the institutions he nurtured and the lives he touched.

Born in 1910 in Skopje, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, dedicating her life to serving the poorest of the poor. She opened hospices, schools, and clinics that provided care and shelter to the destitute, lepers, and orphaned children. In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian efforts and advocacy for the sick and dying. Mother Teresa's tireless compassion and humility inspired people around the world to volunteer and give aid to those in need. She also spoke out against abortion and the death penalty, emphasizing the sanctity of all human life. Canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta in 2016, her legacy continues through the global work of her order. She died on September 5, 1997, leaving an indelible mark on humanitarian service.

D. James Kennedy (1930–2007) was an influential figure in the American evangelical movement. He founded Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1960 and led its congregation for over four decades. In 1974, he launched the Coral Ridge Ministries media outreach, which expanded to radio and television programming seen nationwide. Kennedy authored numerous books on Christian apologetics and social issues, advocating for conservative causes. He also founded the Center for Reclaiming America for Christ, promoting political engagement among evangelicals. Kennedy was a vocal opponent of abortion and a proponent of family values. He died on September 5, 2007, at the age of 76.