November 14

Born in 1220, Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky became Prince of Novgorod in 1236 and Grand Prince of Vladimir in 1252. He secured his legacy by defeating the Swedish invaders at the Battle of the Neva (1240) and the Teutonic Knights at Lake Peipus (1242). Balancing warfare with diplomacy, he maintained a pragmatic relationship with the Mongol Empire to preserve Russian autonomy. Alexander was canonized by the Orthodox Church in 1547 and remains a symbol of Russian national identity and spiritual resilience. His life inspired legendary tales and continues to be commemorated in Russian culture and the Orthodox liturgical calendar.

Born in Constantinople in 1296, Gregory Palamas became a monk at Mount Athos and dedicated himself to spiritual practice. He was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica in 1347, where he engaged in theological disputes over Hesychasm. Palamas defended the practice of inner quietude and prayer against critics, formulating the essence-energies distinction in God. His writings, including the Triads, profoundly influenced Eastern Orthodox theology and mysticism. He was canonized in 1368, and his feast day is celebrated on the second Sunday of Great Lent in the Orthodox Church. Palamas's legacy endures in Orthodox spirituality and his defense of contemplative prayer.

Nikola Tavelić was born near Šibenik around 1340 and joined the Franciscan Order, dedicating his life to missionary work. He traveled to Bosnia and later to the Holy Land, where he ministered to Christian communities under threat. In Acre, he was captured and tortured by opposition forces but refused to renounce his faith, leading to his martyrdom in 1391. His steadfast courage and pastoral devotion inspired generations of missionaries. Pope Paul VI canonized him in 1970, and he remains a patron for missionaries worldwide.

Hugh Faringdon became abbot of Reading Abbey in 1520, presiding over one of England’s wealthiest monasteries. He vehemently opposed King Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries and defended the Church’s rights. In 1539, Faringdon was arrested and charged with treason for allegedly conspiring against the crown. He was convicted and brutally executed, becoming a symbol of resistance to royal supremacy over the Church. In 1895 Pope Leo XIII beatified him, and he is honored as a Catholic martyr.

Born in Florence in 1504, Giovanni della Casa pursued both ecclesiastical duties and literary pursuits. He served as archbishop of Benevento and papal nuncio, navigating church politics with skill. His treatise Il Galateo, published in 1558, set enduring standards for polite behavior and refined manners across Europe. Della Casa’s poetry and critical essays reflect the humanist spirit of the Renaissance, emphasizing wit and civility. His writings influenced the development of modern Italian prose and etiquette literature.

Born in 1683 in Spain, Juan de Galavís was ordained as a Catholic priest and rose through the ecclesiastical ranks. Appointed Archbishop of Santo Domingo, he oversaw the spiritual life and administration of the colonial church. Later transferred to Bogotá, he worked to strengthen church institutions and support missionary activities. He focused on education and charity, guiding his flock through political and social changes. His leadership left a lasting impact on the development of the Catholic Church in Latin America.

Born in 1896, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada embraced Gaudiya Vaishnavism and dedicated his life to spiritual teaching. In 1965, at the age of 69, he traveled to New York City to spread the teachings of Krishna consciousness. Prabhupada established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and built temples, schools, and farms around the world. He translated and provided commentary on key Vedic texts, including the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, making them accessible to a global audience. His emphasis on bhakti yoga, devotional practices, and communal living attracted tens of thousands of followers. Prabhupada’s legacy endures through ISKCON’s vibrant communities and ongoing spiritual outreach.

Cardinal Joseph Bernardin served as Archbishop of Cincinnati and later of Chicago, where he became a leading voice for social justice, racial harmony, and nuclear disarmament. Elected president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, he promoted the "seamless garment" approach to life issues, linking anti-abortion causes with peace and poverty concerns. Renowned for his pastoral warmth and intellectual rigor, Bernardin sought to bridge divides within the Church and society. His battle with pancreatic cancer and return to public ministry inspired many. He died in 1996, remembered for his compassionate leadership and enduring moral vision.