December 21

Thomas the Apostle, also known as Didymus, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. According to tradition, he traveled to India to spread Christianity. He famously doubted Jesus's resurrection until he saw and touched the wounds. He is considered the founder of the Saint Thomas Christian community in Kerala, India. Thomas was martyred in AD 72, pierced by a spear. He is venerated as a saint in numerous Christian denominations.

Hincmar (806–882) served as the Archbishop of Reims and advisor to Carolingian kings. He played a central role in political and ecclesiastical affairs under Louis the Pious and Charles the Bald. Hincmar was a skilled speaker and author, producing theological works and canonical collections. He intervened in major controversies such as the deposition of bishops and monastic reform. As a historian, he compiled annals that provide valuable insights into 9th-century Frankish history. His legal and doctrinal writings influenced the medieval church for centuries.

Ali ibn Muhammad ibn al-Walid served as the Dāʿī al-Muṭlaq (absolute missionary) for the Tayyibi branch of Isma'ilism. He led the community following the principles of esoteric Islamic teachings. During his tenure, he navigated internal divisions and maintained doctrinal unity. Ali ibn al-Walid oversaw missionary activities and guided followers across the Islamic world. His leadership ensured the survival and growth of the Tayyibi Isma'ili tradition after the death of his predecessor. He is remembered for his spiritual authority and organizational skills within the sect.

Thomas Hemenhale served as the Bishop of Worcester in medieval England. Elected to the see in 1337, he oversaw church affairs and diocesan governance. He implemented financial reforms to improve the management of ecclesiastical revenues. Hemenhale was involved in local councils, advising on religious and civic matters. His tenure strengthened the organizational structure of the Worcester diocese. Though his episcopacy was brief, his efforts left an imprint on ecclesiastical administration.

Born in 1442, Berthold von Henneberg served as Archbishop of Mainz from 1484 until his death. He was a key Prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire and adviser to Emperor Maximilian I. He convened the Congress of Princes at Heidelberg in 1495 to propose sweeping imperial reforms. As a reform-minded prelate, he sought to address corruption and abuses within the church. His efforts prefigured later calls for ecclesiastical change that culminated in the Reformation.

Peter Canisius joined the Society of Jesus in 1543 and became one of its early leaders. He travelled extensively to promote Catholic education, founding colleges and writing catechetical texts. His 'Summa Doctrinae Christianae' became a foundational Catholic catechism. Through his sermons and writings, he was instrumental in reviving the Catholic faith in German-speaking regions. Canonized in 1925, he is remembered as the 'Second Apostle of Germany' for his reform efforts and pastoral zeal.

John Newton began his career in the Royal Navy and later captained slave ships before undergoing a spiritual conversion. After abandoning the slave trade, he trained for ministry and was ordained in the Church of England. His hymn 'Amazing Grace', published in 1779, became one of the most enduring and beloved Christian hymns worldwide. Newton also spoke out against slavery and influenced the abolition movement in Britain. He served as curate in Olney for over 20 years and continued preaching until his death in 1807.

Mohammed Abdullah Hassan was born in 1856 in what is now Somalia. He became the religious and military leader of the Dervish movement. Hassan resisted British, Italian, and Ethiopian colonial forces for over two decades. He established a state that combined spiritual leadership with armed resistance. Known as the “Mad Mullah” by his adversaries, he rallied Somali clans under his banner. Despite numerous campaigns against him, Hassan maintained significant autonomy. He died in 1920, and his legacy is celebrated in Somali nationalism.