October 10

Paulinus of York (died 644) was one of the original missionaries sent from Rome by Pope Gregory the Great in 601. He was the first Bishop of Rochester before being dispatched to Northumbria to minister to King Edwin and his court. In 627, he baptized King Edwin at York Minster, significantly advancing the spread of Christianity in northern England. He established several churches and fostered relations between the Roman church and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Following King Edwin’s death in 633 and the resurgence of paganism, Paulinus returned to Kent, where he continued his episcopal duties until his death. His efforts laid the foundation for the enduring presence of the Christian church in the region.

Abbas ibn Ali (647–680) was the son of Imam Ali and an important figure in early Islamic history. Known for his unwavering loyalty and courage, he served as the standard-bearer for his half-brother Husayn ibn Ali during the Battle of Karbala. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Abbas led several courageous attempts to bring water to the besieged camp, solidifying his reputation for selfless devotion. He was ultimately killed in the battle on October 10, 680, and his martyrdom became a central emblem of sacrifice in Shia tradition. His shrine in Karbala remains one of the most venerated sites for Shia pilgrims. Abbas’s legacy endures through poetry, art, and commemorations during Muharram.

Ali al-Akbar ibn Husayn (652–680) was the eldest son of Husayn ibn Ali and a great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. At approximately eighteen years old, he fought alongside his father’s camp during the Battle of Karbala, demonstrating remarkable valor despite his youth. He made a selfless charge to the battlefield to defend his family’s honor and was killed on October 10, 680. His bravery and sacrifice are commemorated annually during the observances of Muharram by Shia Muslims worldwide. Ali al-Akbar’s story symbolizes youthful courage and devotion in the face of overwhelming odds. His martyrdom contributed to the profound spiritual legacy of Karbala.

Habib ibn Madhahir al-Asadi was a loyal supporter and companion of Imam Husayn ibn Ali during the events leading to the Battle of Karbala. Originally from the Madh’hij tribe, he embraced the cause of Husayn and traveled with him from Mecca to Kufa. On October 10, 680, Habib fought valiantly in the battle and was martyred defending the Imam’s camp. His unwavering commitment and faith made him a revered figure in Shia tradition, remembered for his courage and sacrifice. Stories of his loyalty are often recounted during Muharram commemorations to inspire devotion among followers. Habib’s legacy endures as an example of steadfastness in the face of adversity.

Husayn ibn Ali (626–680) was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the third Imam in Shia Islam. He stood against the Umayyad Caliph Yazid’s rule, rejecting what he viewed as illegitimate authority and corruption. Leaving Medina in 680, Husayn journeyed to Kufa but was intercepted near Karbala, where he and his small group were besieged and deprived of water. On October 10, 680, he and his companions were killed in the Battle of Karbala, an event that profoundly shaped Islamic history. Husayn’s sacrifice is commemorated annually during Ashura, a day of mourning and reflection for Muslims worldwide. His legacy embodies principles of justice, resistance to tyranny, and moral integrity.

Valentine served as Pope from July to October 827, during the reign of Emperor Louis the Pious. Little is known about his early life, but he is believed to have been a Roman by birth. His short pontificate was marked by the continuation of the policies of his predecessor, focusing on church administration and relations with the Frankish Empire. Despite the brevity of his tenure, Valentine took steps to address clerical discipline and reaffirmed church authority in Rome. He died on October 10, 827, after only a few months in office. His legacy is largely overshadowed by the lack of surviving records from his papacy.

Al-Hafiz li-Din Allah (died 1149) was the eleventh caliph of the Fatimid dynasty and a central religious leader in the Shia Ismaili tradition. Ascending to power in 1132, he navigated political challenges including internal factionalism and external threats from Crusader states. He pursued administrative and fiscal reforms to strengthen the caliphate and sponsored scholarly activity and the arts in Cairo. His reign saw efforts to maintain Fatimid influence across North Africa and the Levant, as well as diplomatic engagement with neighboring powers. Al-Hafiz’s death on October 10, 1149, concluded a 17-year tenure that left a lasting imprint on the religious and cultural legacy of the Fatimid state.

Born in 1674, John Potter was an academic and churchman who held several high offices within the Church of England. He served as Regius Professor of Modern History at Oxford and was later appointed Bishop of Oxford. In 1737, Potter became Archbishop of Canterbury, guiding the church through political and theological challenges of the Georgian era. He was also known for his scholarly writings on religion and history. Potter died in 1747, leaving a reputation for learned stewardship of the Anglican Church.

Born in 1814 in Vermont, Snow became a devoted missionary and key leader in Utah’s early settlement. He served as counselor in the church presidency before being ordained president in 1898. Facing financial challenges, he emphasized tithing, stabilizing the church’s economy. Snow introduced the memorable motto, As man now is, God once was, reflecting his theological views. Under his leadership, missionary work expanded and several temple construction projects were initiated.

Marvin Gay Sr. was born in 1914 and dedicated much of his life to his ministry as a Baptist pastor in Washington, D.C. He married Alberta Cooper and raised five children, including the future music legend Marvin Gaye. Gay Sr.’s strict religious beliefs and disciplinarian approach shaped his household’s dynamics. His relationship with his children was marked by both devotion and conflict. Although remembered primarily for his familial connections, he maintained his pastoral duties for decades. Marvin Gay Sr. died on October 10, 1998, leaving a complex personal legacy intertwined with music history.

Solomon Burke was born in Philadelphia in 1940 into a musical family, blending gospel roots with popular music. He rose to prominence in the early 1960s with hits like "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love" and "Cry to Me". Known for his rich baritone voice and emotive performances, he became a key figure in soul and R&B. Beyond music, Burke was an ordained minister, preaching in churches and on tours throughout his career. He influenced generations of artists and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Burke's legacy endures through his groundbreaking recordings and unwavering commitment to his faith and artistry.