December 18

Born in 1406, Richard Olivier de Longueil rose to prominence within the Catholic Church. He served as the Bishop of Coutances and influenced ecclesiastical affairs in France. In 1456, he was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Callixtus III. He participated in major church councils and diplomatic missions. He remained a key figure in both religious and state matters until his death in 1470.

Born in 1620 in Germany, Heinrich Roth joined the Jesuit order and traveled to the Mughal Empire. He mastered Sanskrit, Persian, and other Indian languages, producing early European translations of classical texts. His linguistic and religious studies provided deep insights into Hindu and Buddhist philosophies. Roth's work laid the groundwork for later Indological research and cross-cultural understanding. He died in Agra in 1668, leaving important manuscripts on Indian culture and language.

Born in Epworth, Lincolnshire, in 1707, Charles Wesley co-founded the Methodist movement with his brother John Wesley. As a missionary and itinerant preacher, he traveled extensively across Britain, delivering sermons to thousands. An accomplished poet, he wrote over 6,500 hymns, including beloved classics like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Wesley’s hymns combined rich theological insight with lyrical beauty, deeply influencing Protestant worship traditions. He married Sarah Gwynne and balanced family life with his evangelical work until his death in 1788.

Lyman Abbott graduated from Dartmouth College and Andover Theological Seminary before becoming a prominent Congregationalist minister. He served as editor of The Christian Union (later The Outlook), shaping public discourse on religion and social issues. Abbott authored influential works on Christianity, evolution, and ethics, including The Evolution of Christianity. A vocal advocate for progressive reforms, he engaged in debates on pacifism and social welfare. Abbott’s career spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leaving a lasting impact on American Protestantism.

Born in New Delhi in 1928, Ahmad assumed the role of Caliph in 1982, guiding the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community from exile in London. He launched the Muslim Television Ahmadiyya project and expanded the community’s missionary work to over 100 countries. Ahmad authored more than 40 books, including themes on revelation, rationality, and propagation of Islam. He emphasized interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding, engaging with religious leaders worldwide. His leadership modernized religious outreach and education until his passing in 2003.

Born in Inowrocław, Poland, Glemp was ordained a priest in 1950 and rose through the church hierarchy despite the pressures of a Communist state. In 1981 he became Archbishop of Warsaw and was created cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 1983. As Primate from 1981 to 2009, he guided the Polish Church through political upheaval, often mediating between the government and the Solidarity movement. He played a significant role in maintaining the Church's independence and supporting human rights. His leadership shaped Poland’s transition to democracy and strengthened the role of faith in public life.