September 16

Gregorio Barbarigo (1625–1697) was ordained bishop of Bergamo at age 33 and became a cardinal under Pope Innocent XI. He implemented the decrees of the Council of Trent, founded seminaries, and promoted social welfare. Renowned for his piety and organizational skills, he was canonized in 1960 and remains a model of Counter-Reformation leadership.

Patrick Francis Moran was born in Ireland in 1830 and ordained a priest before emigrating to Australia. He became the fourth Archbishop of Sydney in 1884 and was elevated to cardinal by Pope Leo XIII in 1885, the first from Australia. Moran championed Catholic education, establishing numerous schools and colleges across his archdiocese. He played an active role in social issues, advocating for workers' rights and supporting charitable organizations. A gifted orator and theologian, he left a lasting impact on the growth and organization of the Catholic Church in Australia.

Josef Schächter was born in Vienna in 1901 and became an active member of the Vienna Circle, engaging with leading philosophers of the time. Ordained as a rabbi, he sought to reconcile scientific philosophy with Jewish theology, producing writings that explored ethics, faith, and rational inquiry. He lectured extensively on philosophy of religion and Jewish thought, contributing articles to philosophical journals and Jewish periodicals. His interdisciplinary work bridged logical positivism and religious scholarship, influencing postwar debates in both fields. Schächter remained a respected voice in Jewish intellectual circles and academia until his death in 1994.

Robert H. Schuller was born in 1926 in Alton, Iowa, and became a prominent figure in televangelism. In 1955, he founded the Garden Grove Community Church, later known as the Crystal Cathedral, with its striking glass architecture. Schuller launched the 'Hour of Power' TV program in 1970, reaching millions worldwide with his uplifting messages. He authored numerous best-selling books on faith, positivity, and personal development. His emphasis on a 'possibility thinking' approach inspired people of various backgrounds. Schuller's innovative use of media transformed church outreach and modern evangelism. He continued preaching and writing until his death in 2015, leaving a global ministry legacy.

Cornelius Sim was ordained a priest in 1976 and appointed Vicar Apostolic of Brunei in 2004. In 2020, he became the first and only cardinal from Brunei, appointed by Pope Francis. He championed religious tolerance and fostered dialogue between Muslim, Christian, and other faith communities in Southeast Asia. Sim worked to strengthen the small Catholic community through education, healthcare, and charitable initiatives. He was respected for his compassionate pastoral care and gentle leadership until his death in 2021.