November 26

Siricius served as Pope during a formative period for the early Church, asserting Roman primacy and clerical discipline. He issued the earliest surviving papal decretals, shaping canonical law and the governance of bishops. Under his leadership, the papacy solidified its authority over episcopal appointments. He corresponded with distant Christian communities, extending Rome’s influence across the empire. His reforms laid groundwork for future papal power and church administration.

Conrad served as Bishop of Constance during the 10th century, dedicating himself to pastoral care and the spiritual renewal of his diocese. Renowned for his humility and charitable works, he established hospitals and provided for the poor. His missionary outreach extended into neighboring regions, fostering the spread of Christianity among pagan communities. After his death in 975, numerous miracles were attributed to his intercession, leading to his canonization in 1123. Today, Saint Conrad is honored for his steadfast faith and the compassion he showed to all.

Originally trained in law, Sylvester Gozzolini experienced a spiritual conversion that led him to embrace a hermit’s life of prayer and contemplation. He founded the Sylvestrine order in the Marche region, emphasizing austerity, manual labor, and communal piety. His reform movement sought to return monastic life to the original ideals of St. Benedict. Recognized for his holiness and leadership, his followers spread the order’s influence across Italy. He was beatified in 1598 and remains celebrated for his dedication to spiritual renewal and reform.

Educated at the University of Paris, John Spottiswoode returned to Scotland to rise within the Presbyterian Church, eventually becoming Archbishop of St Andrews. He served as a key advisor to King James VI and navigated the complex religious politics of the Union of the Crowns. His principal work, The History of the Church and State of Scotland, remains a significant source for understanding early modern Scottish history. Spottiswoode was noted for balancing loyalty to the monarchy with commitments to ecclesiastical independence. His writings and leadership during a period of religious reform solidified his reputation as both a churchman and a scholar.

Born in 1825 in Bayonne, Charles Lavigerie was ordained a Catholic priest in 1848 and later became Archbishop of Algiers and primate of Africa. In 1868, he founded the Society of Missionaries of Africa, known as the White Fathers, to evangelize and provide education across North and Central Africa. Lavigerie was a vocal opponent of the Arab slave trade, using his influence to raise international awareness and lobby for abolition. He convened anti-slavery congresses in Brussels, Geneva, and Berlin, garnering support from European leaders. Created cardinal by Pope Leo XIII in 1882, he continued to oversee missions and schools throughout the continent. Lavigerie died in 1892, remembered for his passionate advocacy and missionary zeal.

Born in 1834 in the Ottoman capital, Joachim III grew up immersed in Orthodox theology and liturgical tradition. After ordination and service in various metropolitan sees, he was elected Ecumenical Patriarch in 1878. In this first tenure, he instituted reforms to modernize church schools and reorganize administrative structures. Removed from office in 1884, he remained influential and was re-elected in 1901, resuming his program of educational and liturgical renewal. His leadership strengthened the Phanar's role and enhanced dialogue among Orthodox communities. Joachim III served until his death in 1912, leaving a legacy of institutional revitalization and spiritual unity within the Eastern Orthodox world.

Giacomo Alberione was born in 1884 and ordained a priest in 1907. He established the Society of St. Paul, Daughters of St. Paul, and other institutes dedicated to evangelization through modern media. An early adopter of printing and radio, Alberione published books, periodicals, and films to spread the Gospel. His vision led to one of the largest Catholic publishing houses in the world. Beatified by Pope John Paul II, Alberione left a lasting legacy in religious publishing and communication.

Born in 1923 in El Salvador, Arturo Rivera y Damas was ordained as a priest before being appointed Archbishop of San Salvador in 1983. He guided the archdiocese through a turbulent period marked by civil war, advocating for peace, social justice, and human rights. His leadership provided pastoral care to a community facing violence and upheaval. Rivera y Damas was respected for his commitment to uplifting the poor and marginalized populations of El Salvador. He served faithfully until his death on November 26, 1994.