September 26

Berowulf served as bishop of Würzburg, overseeing the growth of the early medieval church in Franconia. His tenure coincided with the reign of Charlemagne, a period of consolidation for Christian institutions. Although few records survive, his leadership contributed to the establishment of ecclesiastical structures in the region. Berowulf was remembered for his piety and administrative skills. He died in 800, leaving a legacy that would shape the bishopric for centuries.

Ibn Taymiya was a prominent Sunni Islamic scholar, theologian, and philosopher from Harran. He challenged prevalent Sufi practices and philosophical interpretations, advocating a return to Qur'anic literalism. His fatwas and writings on theology, jurisprudence, and ethics influenced later Islamic reform movements. Despite facing imprisonment for his views, his intellectual legacy persisted across diverse Muslim societies. Regarded as a reformer, Ibn Taymiya's works continue to inspire contemporary debates in Islamic thought.

Born in 1360 in Padua, Francesco Zabarella became a leading canonist and cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He was a prominent delegate to the Council of Constance (1414–1418), where he advocated for church unity and ecclesiastical reform. Zabarella authored influential legal treatises on conciliar authority and ecclesiastical governance. His writings shaped debates on papal versus council power for centuries. He was elevated to cardinal in 1408 and remained a key figure in resolving the Western Schism until his death.

Born in 1388, Juan de Torquemada was a Spanish Dominican theologian who rose to the rank of cardinal. He served as a papal legate and played a central role in theological councils and the formulation of Church policies. His scholarly works focused on ecclesiology and the nature of the sacraments. Torquemada was created cardinal by Pope Martin V in 1426 and was revered for his learning and piety. He died in 1468 after a life devoted to theology and church administration.

Born in 1861, Iván Persa was ordained as a Catholic priest in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He served pastoral roles among Slovene communities, focusing on education and spiritual guidance. Persa authored several religious texts and essays in Slovene and Hungarian languages. His writings addressed cultural identity and faith during a period of national awakening. He was known for his efforts to bridge linguistic and cultural divides in multiethnic regions. Persa's work contributed to the preservation of Slovene heritage in Central Europe. He passed away in 1935, remembered for his dedication to faith and literature.

Born in Wales in 1902, Davies became a leading Unitarian minister in the United States, serving congregations in Nebraska and Washington, D.C. A passionate advocate for civil liberties, he spoke out against McCarthyism and defended free thought during the Cold War. As an author, he combined theological depth with sharp political commentary in his essays and sermons. His works explored ethics, social justice, and the role of religion in public life, resonating with a broad readership. Davies’s fearless advocacy and eloquent prose left a lasting impact on religious liberalism and American intellectual discourse.