Spanish Grand Inquisitioner, Archbishop of Lima
Spanish Grand Inquisitioner
Archbishop of Lima
Spanish missionary bishop and Archbishop of Lima who defended indigenous rights.
Born in Mayorga, Spain, in 1538.
Ordained a priest and later appointed Grand Inquisitor in Peru before becoming Archbishop of Lima in 1580.
Embarked on arduous pastoral journeys, often traveling by mule across the Andes.
Advocated for the spiritual and legal protection of indigenous peoples.
Established seminaries and oversaw the construction of churches and schools.
Canonized as a saint; his feast day is celebrated on April 27.
1538
Turibius of Mongrovejo
Archduchess of Austria and nun
Archduchess of Austria and nun
1566
Anna Juliana Gonzaga
Polish monk
Polish monk
Polish monk and prior who led the defenders of Jasna Góra monastery during the Swedish invasion.
Born in 1603, Augustyn Kordecki entered the Pauline Order and rose to become prior of Jasna Góra. In 1655, he famously organized the defense of the monastery against a Swedish siege, preserving its religious treasures. His leadership bolstered Polish morale during the Deluge. Kordecki later wrote detailed accounts of the siege that became important historical sources. He passed away in 1673, leaving a legacy of courage and faith.
1603
Augustyn Kordecki
Venezuelan nun
Venezuelan nun
Venezuelan nun known for her dedication to religious service and community care.
Georgina Febres-Cordero was a Venezuelan nun who devoted her life to spiritual guidance and charitable works. She served her community through education and care for the needy in Venezuelan parishes. Febres-Cordero's commitment to her faith inspired many local initiatives aimed at improving social welfare. Although detailed records of her activities are limited, her legacy remains a testament to her compassionate service until her death in 1925.
Georgina Febres-Cordero
Indian-Pakistani religious leader
Indian-Pakistani religious leader
Third Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community who led global expansion of the movement.
Mirza Nasir Ahmad was born in 1909 in Qadian, India, and studied theology within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He became the third Caliph in 1965, guiding the community through a period of global expansion. Ahmad prioritized educational initiatives, establishing schools and universities for both Muslim and non-Muslim students. Under his leadership, the community built mosques and missionary centers across continents. He authored theological works emphasizing peace, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue. Mirza Nasir Ahmad led the Ahmadiyya Community until his death in 1982, leaving a legacy of scholarship and outreach.
1909
Mirza Nasir Ahmad
Iraqi-Lebanese cleric, educator, and author
Iraqi-Lebanese cleric
educator
and author
Lebanese Shia cleric and theologian who became a leading voice in modern Islamic thought and political activism.
Grand Ayatollah Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah was one of the most influential Shia Muslim clerics of the late 20th century. Based in Beirut, he taught theology and issued religious guidance on social and political issues, advocating for social justice and reform. Fadlallah was seen as a mentor to Hezbollah but also supported non-violent activism and dialogue. He authored numerous works on Islamic jurisprudence, ethics, and human rights. His balanced approach and scholarly contributions left a profound impact on Shia communities worldwide.
Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah