September 11

Robert Kilwardby was a Dominican friar who rose to become the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1273. Created cardinal by Pope Gregory X, he served as a leading churchman and jurist in medieval England. He authored important works on logic and philosophy, bridging scholastic thought with pastoral care. Kilwardby played a central role in ecclesiastical politics, mediating disputes between the crown and clergy. His tenure was marked by efforts to reform clerical discipline before his death in 1279.

Born in Connecticut in 1794, Graham was ordained as a Presbyterian minister before turning to social and dietary reform. Disturbed by the health problems of his congregants, he championed a vegetarian diet rich in whole grains and coined the term 'Graham diet.' He founded boarding schools where followers adhered to strict regimens that forbade meat, spices, and alcohol. Graham’s advocacy for whole-wheat flour led to the invention of graham flour and later the graham cracker. Though controversial in his day, his ideas presaged modern vegetarian and health-food movements. He died in 1851, leaving a legacy as an early pioneer of nutrition and wellness.

Neem Karoli Baba lived a simple and ascetic life in northern India, leading a small ashram at Kainchi. He taught the path of bhakti yoga, emphasizing devotion to the divine through love and service to others. In the 1960s and 1970s, he attracted Western followers, including the spiritual teacher Ram Dass and singer Krishna Das. His message transcended cultural boundaries, inspiring students to see divinity in everyday actions. Neem Karoli Baba rarely wrote or recorded his teachings, yet his wisdom was passed on through oral tradition. Today, his ashrams remain active centers of pilgrimage and his legacy continues to influence modern devotional movements.

Peter VII of Alexandria (born Petros Christodoulides in 1949) served as Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa from 1997 to 2004. A native of Cairo, he was known for his missionary work and efforts to strengthen the Orthodox Church across the African continent. He pursued theological studies in Greece and championed social and educational programs for underprivileged communities. His leadership fostered the growth of Orthodox Christian institutions and interfaith dialogue. He died suddenly in 2004, leaving a legacy of pastoral care and outreach.

Gene Savoy (1927–2007) was an American explorer and scholar who led expeditions to the Andes, uncovering sites linked to the Inca and pre-Inca cultures. A self-taught theologian, he founded the Center for Pre-Columbian Studies to research ancient American civilizations. Savoy authored several books detailing his hypotheses on the development and migration of early Andean societies. His controversial theories sparked debate within archaeological and theological circles. He also established religious communities based on his interpretations of ancient texts. Savoy's adventurous spirit and prolific writing inspired both scholars and amateur enthusiasts of exploration and history.

John W. O'Malley (1927-2022) was an American Jesuit priest and distinguished historian of the Catholic Church. He earned his doctorate at Fordham University and taught Church history at the Jesuit Theological Center in Toronto and at Georgetown University. O'Malley authored influential works including 'The First Jesuits' and 'What Happened at Vatican II', reshaping understanding of major ecclesiastical movements. His meticulous research combined theological insight with historical rigor, making him a leading voice in modern Catholic historiography. He served on numerous academic boards and received honors such as the Leo Gershoy Award and the Dante Alighieri Society Prize. O'Malley's writings bridged scholarly and popular audiences, offering accessible analyses of Church councils and religious orders. He died in 2022, remembered for his profound contributions to the study of Catholic history and the Jesuit tradition.