November 26

Rudesind was born in 907 into a noble family in Galicia, present-day Spain. He was appointed bishop of Iria Flavia at a young age and dedicated himself to religious life. In 937 he founded the Monastery of Celanova, which became a major center of learning and piety. He undertook pilgrimages to the Holy Land and supported monastic reform throughout his diocese. Rudesind was known for his charitable works, helping the poor and sick in his community. After his death in 977, he was venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.

Guido Ascanio Sforza di Santa Fiora was born in 1518 into the noble Sforza family of Santa Fiora. Nephew of Pope Paul III, he was elevated to cardinal deacon at just 16 years old in 1534. He held key roles in the Roman Curia, including papal legate to several Italian states. A skilled diplomat, he negotiated alliances and managed complex Church politics. He patronized artists and scholars, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the Renaissance Vatican. His career exemplified the intertwining of dynastic power and ecclesiastical authority in 16th-century Italy. Guido died in 1564 after three decades of service at the highest levels of the Catholic Church.

John Harvard was an English clergyman who emigrated from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1637. He served as the minister of Charlestown before leaving his estate to a new college in Cambridge. His donation of his library and half his estate in 1638 provided the foundation for Harvard College and secured its future. Although he died at the age of 30, the college was later named in his honor. His legacy endures in one of the world’s leading universities.

Henry Dunster was an English Puritan minister who became the first president of Harvard College in 1640. Under his leadership, the college adopted a more rigorous curriculum and governance structure that shaped its academic traditions. He introduced a curriculum modeled after Cambridge University and emphasized classical studies and moral instruction. Dunster’s tenure lasted until 1654, when disagreements over infant baptism led to his resignation. He then returned to England and continued to write on religious and educational topics until his death in 1659.

William Derham served as a vicar in various English parishes while pursuing natural philosophy. In 1709, he conducted one of the first accurate measurements of the speed of sound using observations of gun flashes and thunder. His major work “Physico-Theology” linked scientific observation with theological reflections, arguing for the evidence of design in nature. He was elected a fellow of the Royal Society and served as its secretary twice. Derham’s writings on astronomy, meteorology, and theology influenced both scientific and religious circles in the 18th century.

Isidro de Espinosa was a Franciscan friar who joined the missionary efforts in New Spain in the early 18th century. He was assigned to missions in Texas, where he learned Native American languages and recorded detailed ethnographic observations. Espinosa co-authored the “Historia de los Franciscanos en Texas” and wrote extensive letters and diaries that provide valuable insights into Spanish colonial life. His writings cover mission establishment, indigenous cultures, and frontier challenges. These records remain crucial sources for understanding the early history of Texas and missionary work among Native populations.

Ellen G. White was born in Gorham, Maine, and experienced her first religious visions as a teenager. She became a leading figure in the Millerite movement and helped establish the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1863. White authored over 5,000 periodical articles and more than 40 books on theology, health, and education. Her writings emphasized the importance of healthful living, spiritual revival, and Christian education. She played a central role in founding Adventist schools, hospitals, and publishing houses. White’s influence shaped the church’s development and continues to impact its global mission.

Born into a wealthy Philadelphia family, Katharine Drexel inherited a substantial fortune that she dedicated to the church and education. In 1891, she founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, focusing on schooling and evangelization for Native American and African American children. Drexel established over 50 missions and dozens of schools across the United States, many in remote and underserved regions. She took vows of poverty, committing her resources and life to social justice and racial equality. Katharine Drexel was canonized in 2000, becoming the second American-born saint. Her legacy lives on in educational institutions and outreach programs inspired by her compassionate vision.

Edward Higgins was the third General of the Salvation Army, leading the international Christian movement from 1929 to 1934. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its social services and missionary work around the world. A devoted humanitarian, he championed relief efforts during economic hardship and global conflict. Born in 1864 in Kent, England, Higgins dedicated his life to ministry and social reform. His tenure strengthened the Salvation Army’s commitment to serving the poor and marginalized. Higgins retired in 1934 and continued to write and promote the Army’s mission until his death in 1947.

As the first Canadian-born cardinal, McGuigan served as Archbishop of Regina and later Toronto, shaping the Catholic Church in Canada. He was elevated to cardinal by Pope Pius XII in 1946, the first in Canadian history. Throughout his tenure, he championed social and pastoral initiatives, including Catholic education and social services. Known for his humility and dedication, he guided the church through post-war growth and challenges. His legacy includes founding charitable organizations and promoting interfaith dialogue until his death in 1974.

Born in 1931, Adrianus Johannes Simonis was ordained to the priesthood in 1957 and held several pastoral positions before his appointment as Archbishop of Utrecht in 1983. Pope John Paul II elevated him to Cardinal in 1985, making him the Primate of the Netherlands. Simonis guided the Dutch Church through times of social change and served as president of the Dutch Episcopal Conference. After his retirement in 2007, he remained an influential voice in ecclesiastical affairs until his death in 2020.

Born in 1933, Richard Holloway was ordained in the Scottish Episcopal Church and later served as Bishop of Edinburgh and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Following his retirement in 2000, he hosted several BBC radio programs, exploring ethics, religion, and public life. Holloway authored multiple books on spirituality and remains a respected commentator on contemporary faith and secular issues. His engaging insights have influenced both religious and secular audiences.