November 04

Born around 1127, he became a hermit in the Forest of Cerfroid before meeting John of Matha. Together they founded the Order of the Holy Trinity in 1198 with papal approval. The order was dedicated to the ransom of Christian captives and grew rapidly across Europe. Felix was known for his deep compassion and commitment to charitable works. He was canonized as a saint in 1262. His feast day is celebrated on November 4, honoring his legacy of mercy.

Born in 1427, Françoise d'Amboise became Duchess of Brittany through her marriage to Peter II. After his death, she renounced worldly power to join the Carmelite order. In 1463, she founded the first Carmelite convent in France at Nantes. Françoise devoted her life to prayer, charity, and education. She was canonized as a saint in 1863 by Pope Pius IX. Her feast day is celebrated on May 4 and she is honored for her piety and leadership.

Born in Antwerp in 1597, he joined the Society of Jesus and pursued studies in mathematics and natural philosophy. Appointed professor at the University of Leuven, he published influential treatises on conic sections and optical phenomena. His correspondence with leading scientists helped spread his ideas across Europe. Della Faille later traveled on a Jesuit mission to Goa, India, where he continued his scholarly work. He died in 1652, leaving a legacy that bridged faith and scientific inquiry.

Born in 1897 in 'Akka, Shoghi Effendi was appointed as Guardian of the Baháʼí Faith by his grandmother, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, in 1921. He translated major Baháʼí texts into English, including the writings of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Under his guidance, the global Baháʼí community expanded, establishing national and local spiritual assemblies. Effendi introduced the administrative order that unified believers worldwide. He traveled extensively to foster intercultural understanding and development projects. His scholarly works and organizational reforms cemented the Faith's foundations before his passing in London in 1957.

Born in 1893 in Jablunkov, Francis Dvornik was ordained as a Catholic priest before pursuing academic research. He earned his doctorate in theology and history, specializing in Byzantine studies. Dvornik taught at universities in Prague and later at Harvard and the Catholic University of America. His landmark works on the relations between the Eastern and Western churches shed light on medieval church politics. He published over 40 books and numerous articles on Slavic Christianity, Orthodoxy, and Byzantine diplomacy. A member of several historical and theological societies, Dvornik received international honors for his scholarship. He died in 1975, leaving a lasting legacy in ecclesiastical history and ecumenical studies.

Hubertus Brandenburg was born in Germany in 1923 and ordained a Benedictine priest in 1950. He was appointed Bishop of Stockholm in 1977, becoming the first Catholic bishop in Sweden since the Reformation. During his 21-year tenure, he guided the growth of the Catholic community and fostered ecumenical dialogue. Known for his humble leadership and pastoral care, he strengthened ties between Catholic, Lutheran, and Orthodox faithful. After resigning in 1998, Brandenburg continued to support Swedish parishes until his death in 2009.