November 15

Saint Malo, also called Maclovius, was a 6th-century Breton monk who became bishop of Aleth. He is celebrated for his missionary travels across Brittany and the British Isles. Legends tell of his devotion to the poor and his miracles, including raising the dead and calming storms at sea. He is regarded as the patron saint of sailors and travelers. The city of Saint-Malo in Brittany bears his name in honor of his enduring spiritual legacy. His feast day is celebrated on November 15th, drawing pilgrims to his cathedral.

Leopold III, also known as Saint Leopold, ruled as Margrave of Austria from 1095 to 1136. He oversaw the development of monasteries, roads, and the establishment of the Austrian state’s foundations. Leopold was known for his devout Christian faith, charitable works, and fair governance. He arranged strategic marriages to strengthen alliances and maintained peace in his domains. After his death, Leopold was canonized in 1485 and became the patron saint of Austria. His legacy is celebrated on November 15th, and his tomb in Klosterneuburg remains a pilgrimage site.

Albertus Magnus, also known as Saint Albert the Great, was a Dominican friar and scholar in the High Middle Ages. He made groundbreaking contributions to natural philosophy, theology, and the sciences, studying topics from botany to astronomy. Albertus taught at the University of Paris and was the mentor of Thomas Aquinas. He was appointed Bishop of Regensburg, where he continued his writings and founded colleges. His work laid the foundations for later scientific inquiry and the scholastic tradition. Albertus was canonized in 1931 and is honored as the patron saint of scientists. His intellectual legacy remains influential in medieval studies and philosophy.

Born in 1510, Ferenc Dávid became a leading figure of the Protestant Reformation in Hungary. He adopted anti-Trinitarian beliefs and collaborated with key reformers in the Kingdom of Hungary. Through the 1568 Edict of Torda, his advocacy led to unprecedented religious freedom and the birth of Unitarianism. Serving as court preacher to Prince John Sigismund Zápolya, he promoted faith guided by reason and conscience. Imprisoned for his beliefs, Dávid died in Transylvanian custody on November 15, 1579. His theological contributions influenced later movements for religious pluralism in Europe.

Born in 1576 in Asunción, Roque González de Santa Cruz joined the Society of Jesus to serve in South America. He founded missions among the Guaraní, establishing reductions that combined evangelism with community life. González emphasized indigenous education, promoting literacy and cultural exchange within the missions. On November 15, 1628, he was killed by hostile groups opposing his missionary work. Canonized in 1988, he is honored as one of the first martyrs of the Catholic Church in South America.

Born in 1592 in Moravia, John Amos Comenius became bishop of the Unity of the Brethren before facing exile. He revolutionized pedagogy with innovative teaching methods that emphasized universal education and visual aids. His seminal work Didactica Magna outlined structured curricula and accessible textbooks for learners of all ages. A philosopher of education, he believed schooling should nurture both moral and intellectual development. Comenius acted as a diplomat among Protestant leaders across Europe, promoting educational reform. He died on November 15, 1670, and is celebrated as the father of modern educational theory.

Tsangyang Gyatso (1683–1706), commonly known as Tsangyang, became the sixth Dalai Lama as a child. He defied strict monastic rules by composing romantic poetry that celebrated nature and human emotion. His travels and incognito visits to lay society challenged traditional expectations of Tibetan spiritual leaders. Tsangyang’s reign coincided with political disputes between Tibetan regents and Mongol patrons. His mysterious disappearance and death on November 15, 1706, have inspired enduring legends in Tibetan history.

John Witherspoon (1723-1794) was a Scottish-born clergyman who became a leading figure in early American education and politics. After emigrating in 1768, he served as president of the College of New Jersey (Princeton University), championing a curriculum that blended Enlightenment and religious thought. Witherspoon mentored future leaders and helped shape the young republic's intellectual climate. He represented New Jersey in the Continental Congress and was the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence. His writings advanced moral philosophy and republican ideals. Witherspoon's dual legacy in theology and public service left a lasting mark on American institutions.

Herman of Alaska (died 1836) was a Russian Orthodox monk and pioneering missionary in North America. As part of the Kodiak mission, he arrived in Alaska in 1794 and dedicated himself to serving indigenous communities. Herman established schools, taught agriculture, and defended native rights against the Russian-American Company's abuses. Known for his humility, charitable works, and spiritual discipline, he lived in seclusion on Spruce Island later in life. Canonized in 1970, St. Herman is venerated for his compassion and is regarded as the patron saint of Alaska. His legacy endures in Orthodox Christian traditions across North America.

William Knibb (1803-1845) dedicated his life to missionary work and the abolition of slavery in the British West Indies. Arriving in Jamaica in 1824, he ministered to enslaved people, established schools, and promoted the concept of Free Villages for emancipated communities. Knibb tirelessly lobbied the British Parliament, providing firsthand accounts of plantation abuses that influenced public opinion. Known for his deep compassion and unwavering moral courage, he faced hostility from plantation owners but remained committed to justice. His efforts contributed significantly to the passage of the Slavery Abolition Act. Knibb's legacy is honored in Jamaica through churches and educational institutions bearing his name.

Ieronymos I was the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, guiding the Church through significant political and social change. Born Emmanouil Nitas in the village of Mani, he was ordained a priest in 1931 and gained acclaim as a scholar of Patristic theology. In 1967, amid the rise of Greece’s military junta, he was appointed Archbishop, a role he held as the Church navigated authoritarian rule. He worked to uphold the institution’s independence and offered spiritual guidance to a divided nation. A prolific theologian, he authored influential works on Byzantine liturgy and Orthodox spirituality. After the restoration of democracy, he resigned and devoted himself to teaching and ecclesiastical scholarship. Ieronymos passed away on November 15, 1988, leaving a legacy of thoughtful leadership during one of Greece’s most turbulent eras.

Adrian Rogers led Bellevue Baptist Church for more than 35 years, growing it into a major congregation. He served three terms as president of the Southern Baptist Convention, shaping its direction. Rogers’ 'Love Worth Finding' radio and television ministry reached millions worldwide. He authored over 50 books on Christian living, family life, and biblical teaching. Rogers was known for his clear sermons, firm theology, and commitment to evangelism. His legacy endures in modern evangelical thought and pastoral training.