Polish canon regular and saint
Polish canon regular and saint
Polish canon regular and Augustinian friar renowned for his preaching and charity, later canonized as a saint.
Born in 1433, Stanisław Kazimierczyk joined the Order of Canons Regular of St. Augustine and devoted his life to preaching and pastoral care. He served as prior in various monasteries and was known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary. Stanisław provided spiritual guidance during a time of religious upheaval, ministering to the poor and sick. His wisdom and holiness drew large congregations, and he was credited with numerous miracles. He was canonized in 2013, and his legacy continues to inspire Augustinian communities worldwide.
1433
Stanisław Kazimierczyk
French bishop and theologian
French bishop and theologian
French bishop and theologian celebrated for his eloquent sermons and support of royal absolutism.
Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet was a prominent French bishop and court preacher to Louis XIV. He was renowned for his powerful oratory skills, delivering sermons that combined theological depth with political insight. Bossuet defended the divine right of kings and the concept of absolute monarchy in his writings. He also served as tutor to the dauphin, mentoring the future Louis XV in matters of state and religion. His major works, including 'Discourse on Universal History', influenced European thought on governance and ecclesiastical authority.
1627
Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet
American pastor and librarian
American pastor and librarian
American pastor known for his fiery sermons and influence on early New England Puritanism.
Solomon Stoddard was a leading Puritan minister in Northampton, Massachusetts during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He expanded the role of the local church in civic life and advocated for wider admission to communion. Stoddard’s powerful preaching drew large congregations and shaped the spiritual climate of colonial New England. He also established one of the first town libraries in America, contributing to educational growth. His grandson, Jonathan Edwards, succeeded him and built upon his theological legacy.
1643
Solomon Stoddard
Italian bishop and saint
Italian bishop and saint
Italian bishop, theologian, and founder of the Redemptorist congregation who was canonized as a saint.
Saint Alphonsus Maria de’ Liguori was a prolific writer, moral theologian, and founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. He crafted influential works on moral theology and devotion, including 'The Glories of Mary'. As bishop of Sant'Agata dei Goti, he promoted pastoral care and social outreach. His efforts to reconcile sinners and the poor earned him widespread acclaim. Alphonsus was declared Doctor of the Church for his spiritual and theological contributions.
1696
Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori
German-English evangelist and missionary, founded the Ashley Down Orphanage
German-English evangelist and missionary
founded the Ashley Down Orphanage
Christian evangelist and philanthropist who cared for thousands of orphans through faith-based initiatives.
George Müller was a Christian evangelist and philanthropist best known for establishing the Ashley Down Orphanage in Bristol, England.
Over his lifetime, he cared for thousands of orphaned children purely through faith-based fundraising without soliciting donations.
Müller maintained detailed records of his work, inspiring supporters with accounts of daily provisions for the orphans.
His approach emphasized prayer, trust in divine provision, and personal humility.
Beyond orphan care, he traveled widely to preach and encourage faith practices among Christian communities.
Today, Müller’s legacy endures in modern charitable organizations and the principles of faith-driven philanthropy.
1805
George Müller
Ashley Down Orphanage
Slovak priest and politician
Slovak priest and politician
Slovak Catholic priest and nationalist politician, founder of the Slovak People’s Party.
Andrej Hlinka (1864–1938) was a Slovak Catholic priest and political leader who championed Slovak autonomy within Czechoslovakia. As founder of the Slovak People’s Party, he mobilized rural communities and advocated for the rights of Slovaks in a multiethnic state. Hlinka also served as a member of the Czechoslovak parliament, where he fought for cultural and religious freedoms. He became a symbol of Slovak national identity, earning the title “Father of the Nation” among his supporters. Hlinka’s activism led to tensions with Prague authorities and multiple imprisonments. His legacy remains influential in modern Slovak politics and the church. The town of Hlinka and numerous monuments commemorate his role in Slovak history.
1864
Andrej Hlinka
Italian saint
Italian saint
Italian laywoman venerated as a saint for her devotion to the poor and children.
Born in northern Italy in 1866, Eurosia Fabris devoted herself to caring for orphans and the needy.
Her compassionate work earned her the affectionate title Mamma Rosa among locals.
As a laywoman, she organized charitable initiatives within her parish community.
She inspired others through her deep faith and selfless service to families in need.
Beatified by the Catholic Church, her legacy continues to influence charitable missions worldwide.
1866
Eurosia Fabris
Chrysostomos I of Cyprus
Chrysostomos I of Cyprus
Spiritual leader who served as Archbishop of Cyprus during a period of significant political upheaval.
Chrysostomos I became Archbishop of Cyprus in 1977 and guided the Orthodox Church through post-invasion challenges. He focused on church unity, interfaith dialogue, and humanitarian relief for displaced persons. Under his leadership, the Church played a key role in preserving Cypriot cultural and religious identity. He engaged with political leaders to advocate for peace and reconciliation on the island. His tenure strengthened the Church's social impact until his death in 2007.
1927
Chrysostomos I of Cyprus
Indian guru and saint
Indian guru and saint
Indian spiritual leader and guru known as 'Amma' or the 'hugging saint' for her compassionate embrace and global humanitarian work.
Born in Kerala in 1953, Mata Amritanandamayi is revered worldwide for her practice of greeting followers with a loving embrace. She founded the Mata Amritanandamayi Math, which oversees various charitable projects in education, healthcare, and disaster relief. Over the decades, she has provided solace and support to millions through her darshan hugs. Amma has established Embracing the World, a global network of initiatives promoting sustainable development and social welfare. She has been honored with numerous awards for her philanthropic efforts. Her teachings emphasize selfless service, love, and the unity of all faiths. Today, she continues to travel, inspire spiritual seekers, and expand her humanitarian outreach.
Mata Amritanandamayi