December 13

Lucy Brocadelli was born in 1476 in Bologna and joined the Dominican Third Order at a young age. She became renowned for her spiritual devotion and reportedly received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ. Her mystical experiences attracted attention, leading to both veneration and scrutiny by church authorities. Lucy served as a spiritual guide to many and was beatified in the 18th century for her life of piety. Her legacy endures in accounts of female mysticism during the Renaissance.

Paul Speratus was born in 1484 and studied theology at the University of Cracow before embracing Luther’s teachings. He became one of the first Protestant preachers, spreading Reformation ideas across Germany. Speratus is best known for composing hymns such as 'Es ist das Heil uns kommen her', still sung in Protestant churches today. He served as both preacher and organizer, helping to establish Lutheran congregations. His writings and hymns contributed significantly to the early Lutheran movement.

Justus Menius was born in 1499 in Hesse and studied under Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon. He became pastor at Nordhausen and later Magdeburg, where he implemented Lutheran reforms. Menius wrote theological works defending key Protestant doctrines and opposed radical reformers. He traveled extensively to promote Lutheran unity and participated in several church visitations. His efforts helped shape the structure and liturgy of early Lutheran churches in Germany.

Sixtus V, born Felice Peretti in 1521, became Pope in 1585 at the age of 64. He overhauled the papal administration, strengthening finances and reforming the Curia. Sixtus commissioned ambitious urban projects, including new roads, aqueducts, and the Vatican library’s expansion. He reestablished discipline in religious orders and supported missions abroad. His short pontificate left a lasting impact on the governance and infrastructure of the Papal States.

Prince Karim al-Husayn Shāh, known as Aga Khan IV, has led the Ismaili community since 1957, emphasizing pluralism, education, and cultural development. Under his guidance, the Aga Khan Development Network has launched projects in health, education, architecture, and rural development across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. A global proponent of interfaith dialogue, he has been awarded numerous honorary degrees and international honors. His vision of 'constructive Islam' seeks to balance tradition with modernity, fostering communities where faith and reason coexist. A patron of the arts, he has supported the preservation of historical monuments and contemporary architecture.