November 07

Born into the noble House of Berg in 1186, Engelbert II became Archbishop of Cologne in 1216. He was known for mediating disputes among German princes and advocating church reforms. Engelbert defended ecclesiastical rights and lands against secular encroachment. He was assassinated in 1225 while upholding the interests of his clergy. Canonized shortly thereafter, he is remembered for his dedication to justice and the faith.

Born in 1484, Jón Arason became Bishop of Hólar in 1524. He was a staunch defender of Catholicism against the spread of Lutheran ideas. Arason also composed poetry that blended religious themes with Icelandic cultural motifs. In 1550, after leading a failed revolt against Protestant authorities, he was captured and executed. His martyrdom made him an enduring symbol of faith and Icelandic identity.

Born in 1503, Jeanne de Jussie joined the Order of Saint Clare in Geneva at a young age. She witnessed the turmoil of the Protestant Reformation as it spread through her city. In her chronicle, she defended Catholic doctrine and provided a vivid account of the convent’s hardships. Her letters and writings remain valuable sources for understanding 16th-century religious conflict in Switzerland. She died in exile in 1561, remembered for her unwavering faith and literary testimony.

Born in 1510, Solomon Luria studied under prominent rabbinic authorities in Poland and Germany. Known by the acronym Maharshal, he authored influential commentaries on the Talmud. His works emphasized rigorous textual analysis and became foundational in Jewish academies. As head of yeshivas, Luria trained many students who spread his scholarly methods across Europe. He died in 1574, leaving a lasting legacy in Jewish religious education.

Richard Davies was born in 1505 and became Bishop of St. Asaph. He studied at Oxford and became known for his mastery of languages and scholarship. Collaborating with William Salesbury, he translated the New Testament into Welsh in 1567. Davies championed the use of Welsh in religious services, contributing to the preservation of Welsh language and culture. He traveled to Europe, engaging with humanist scholars, before returning to Wales. His work laid the foundation for future Welsh Bible translations and fostered literacy among Welsh speakers. Davies died on November 7, 1581, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of Welsh Protestant literature.

Elijah Parish Lovejoy was born in 1809 in New Hampshire and became a Presbyterian minister and committed abolitionist. In 1836 he founded the 'Alton Observer' newspaper in Illinois, using it to denounce slavery and advocate for racial equality. Lovejoy faced repeated attacks and the destruction of his printing presses by pro-slavery mobs. On November 7, 1837, he was shot and killed while defending his press, becoming the first martyr for freedom of the press in the United States. His death galvanized the abolitionist movement and inspired broader support for antislavery causes. Lovejoy's legacy endures as a symbol of courage and the struggle for human rights.

Born in 1791 in County Mayo, he was ordained a priest and championed Catholic emancipation. Appointed Archbishop of Tuam in 1831, he worked tirelessly to expand parish schools. He promoted the Irish language and national identity through writings and public addresses. A vocal critic of British policies, he used the press to campaign for social reforms. He authored numerous articles and books in both Irish and English. His leadership shaped the Catholic Church's role in 19th-century Ireland. He died on November 7, 1881, after decades of ecclesiastical service.

Jonathan Sacks was born in London in 1948 and studied at Cambridge and New College, Oxford before serving as Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth from 1991 to 2013. He was appointed to the House of Lords in 2009, becoming Baron Sacks, and used his platform to advocate for moral responsibility and interreligious understanding. Sacks authored more than thirty books exploring Judaism, philosophy, and social cohesion, earning international acclaim. He received honors including the Templeton Prize and a knighthood for his contributions to religious life and public discourse. He died in 2020, remembered as a powerful voice for compassion and ethical leadership.