September 21

Born around 580, Vitalian was elected Pope in 657 during a turbulent period of East-West relations. He worked to restore communion with the Eastern Church under Emperor Constans II, navigating Monotheletism controversies. Vitalian sent legates to Constantinople and played a key role in drafting the Roman Rite's liturgical texts. He supported the autonomy of various local churches and reinforced papal authority within Italy. His pontificate laid foundations for future relations between the papacy and the Byzantine Empire.

Born in Ferrara in 1452, Savonarola entered the Dominican Order and honed his oratory skills in Bologna and Ferrara. He rose to prominence in Florence through sermons condemning clerical corruption and luxury. His prophetic declarations led to the establishment of a short-lived theocratic regime in the city. Savonarola organized the infamous 'Bonfire of the Vanities', urging citizens to burn secular art, books, and cosmetics. Arrested for heresy and political rebellion in 1498, he was executed, leaving a polarizing legacy of religious zeal and reform.

Philip Howard hailed from one of England's most prominent Catholic families during the 17th century. Despite tensions between Protestants and Catholics, he rose to high ecclesiastical office, being elevated to cardinal by Pope Alexander VII in 1675. Howard served as a diplomat and advisor, navigating the complex politics of Charles II and James II's courts. He championed Catholic causes in England while promoting education and the arts in Rome. His patronage extended to charitable foundations and religious orders. Howard maintained a correspondence with leading thinkers and artists of his time, reflecting his broad cultural interests. He died in 1694, leaving behind a reputation as a skilled negotiator and devout churchman. Today, he is remembered for his role in sustaining English Catholicism during a period of persecution.

James E. Talmage was an English-American scientist turned religious leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles from 1911 until his death in 1933. Talmage authored seminal works such as "Jesus the Christ" and "Articles of Faith", shaping LDS theology. An academic and polymath, he also held a doctorate in geology and taught at Brigham Young University. His writings combined scholarly rigor with faith, influencing generations of church members. Talmage's legacy endures through his contributions to both science and religion.

Geevarghese Ivanios was a prominent Indian religious leader born in 1882. Originally part of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, he led a group into communion with the Roman Catholic Church in 1930, creating the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church. He was appointed its first Metropolitan Archbishop in 1932 and worked to strengthen the Eastern Catholic tradition in Kerala. Archbishop Ivanios founded the Bethany Ashram and several educational and charitable institutions to serve the community. His efforts fostered unity among Christians in India and promoted interfaith dialogue. He was declared 'Servant of God' by the Catholic Church, with his cause for canonization underway.

Frederick Coutts joined The Salvation Army as a teenager and rose through its ranks over decades of service. Appointed the 8th General in 1963, he led the international organization during a period of global expansion. Coutts emphasized social welfare initiatives, including relief efforts in war-torn regions and developing community programs. Under his leadership, The Salvation Army reinforced its commitment to serving the poor and marginalized. After retiring in 1969, he continued to advocate for compassionate outreach until his death in 1986.

Shaw Clifton was born in 1945 in Northern Ireland. He dedicated his life to faith and service within The Salvation Army. In 2006, he was appointed as the 18th General, the highest office in the organization. During his tenure, he prioritized global outreach and modernization of operations. He led initiatives in poverty alleviation and disaster relief across the globe. Clifton retired in 2011, leaving a legacy of compassion and leadership. He passed away in 2023, remembered for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian work.

Odilo Pedro Scherer is a Brazilian Cardinal of the Catholic Church who has served as Archbishop of São Paulo since 2007. Born in 1949, he was ordained a priest in 1971 and earned advanced degrees in philosophy and theology in Rome. In 2001, he became auxiliary bishop and later Archbishop of São Paulo, one of the largest dioceses in the world. Created Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, he has participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis. Scherer is known for his pastoral outreach, engagement in social issues, and contributions to theological education.

Born on 21 September 1953, Reinhard Marx was ordained a priest in 1979 and rose through the church hierarchy over the following decades. He became Archbishop of Munich and Freising in 2008 and was elevated to Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010. Marx has served on several Vatican congregations and commissions, influencing global church policy. He was president of the German Bishops’ Conference from 2014 to 2020. Known for his engagement with social issues, he has advocated for economic justice and interfaith dialogue.