December 22

Born Gobind Rai in 1666 in Patna, India, Guru Gobind Singh became the tenth Sikh Guru at the age of nine. He consolidated the Sikh community and introduced the Khalsa, a military and spiritual order bound by the Five Ks. A gifted poet and philosopher, he authored devotional verses compiled in the Dasam Granth. Under his leadership, the Sikhs organized their first armed resistance against Mughal oppression, safeguarding their faith and identity. Guru Gobind Singh also appointed the Sikh holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, as the eternal Guru of the Sikhs. His life combined spiritual guidance, literary brilliance, and martial valor until his death in 1708.

Nicholas Callan was born in County Louth, Ireland, in 1799 and ordained as a Passionist priest. Appointed to teach at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, he conducted groundbreaking experiments in electromagnetism. In 1836, Callan invented the induction coil, a forerunner of the modern transformer and spark coil. He also improved battery design by creating high-capacity plate batteries, advancing early electrical technology. Callan’s work influenced contemporaries studying electricity and magnetism and earned him recognition across Europe. He continued research and teaching until his death in 1864, remembered as a key figure in 19th-century experimental physics.

Born in Jayrambati in 1853, Sarada Devi married the mystic Ramakrishna and became his spiritual consort and collaborator. After his death, she guided the nascent Ramakrishna Order, offering teachings on devotion, service, and inner harmony. Revered for her humility, compassion, and wisdom, she traveled widely to inspire followers across India. Sarada Devi emphasized the unity of religions and the importance of personal spiritual practice, fostering interfaith understanding. She remains a central figure in modern Hindu spirituality, inspiring movements dedicated to social service and spiritual growth.

Born in 1957, Stephen Conway studied theology at University College London before ordination. He served in parish ministry and church leadership for over two decades. In the early 2000s, he was consecrated as Bishop of Ramsbury, overseeing clergy and congregations in the Diocese of Salisbury. He was appointed Bishop of Ely in 2011, leading one of England’s oldest dioceses. Conway is recognized for his commitment to pastoral care and community engagement.