December 28

Originally a member of the Dominican Order, Hugh Aycelin rose to prominence within the Roman Catholic Church. Elevated to the rank of cardinal, he served as a principal advisor in the papal court. He participated in key ecclesiastical councils and helped shape church policy during a period of growing papal authority in Europe. His administrative skill earned him respect among his peers and influence over important doctrinal debates. He remained an active church leader until his death in 1297.

Elected by a faction opposed to Pope Martin V, he served as antipope for several years, deepening the church’s divisions. His claim was supported by France and other European powers seeking greater influence over the papacy. His tenure complicated efforts to restore unity until his eventual resignation. After abdicating his claim, he continued to hold ecclesiastical offices under the reconciled church. He died in 1446, remembered for his controversial role in one of the church’s most turbulent periods.

Born in Savoy in 1567, Francis de Sales was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1593. He served as the Bishop of Geneva and worked to reconcile Protestants and Catholics during the Counter-Reformation. His book 'Introduction to the Devout Life' offered practical guidance on spirituality for laypeople and remains widely read today. Together with Jane Frances de Chantal, he founded the Order of the Visitation in 1610. Canonized in 1665 and declared a Doctor of the Church, he is celebrated for his gentle approach to faith and theological insight. He died in 1622, leaving a lasting impact on Catholic spirituality.

Born in 1649 in Scotland, Carstares studied theology at the universities of Groningen and Leiden. He was imprisoned for his support of Presbyterian causes before seeking refuge in the Netherlands. He served as chaplain and political advisor to William of Orange, contributing to the Glorious Revolution in Scotland. In 1693, Carstares became Principal of the University of Edinburgh, overseeing administrative and curricular reforms. He also served as Provost of St Giles' Church and played a significant role in shaping Scottish ecclesiastical governance. He died in 1715, leaving a legacy as both a religious leader and academic reformer.

William Corby was born in Ireland in 1833 and immigrated to the United States as a child. He joined the Congregation of Holy Cross and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1860. During the American Civil War, Corby served as chaplain for the Irish Brigade of the Union Army, tending to soldiers' spiritual and physical needs. After the war, he became president of the University of Notre Dame, expanding its academic programs and influence. His leadership in education and ministry had a lasting impact on Catholic higher education in America.

William X. Kienzle was ordained in 1954 in the Detroit archdiocese and served as a parish priest. He took a sabbatical to pursue writing, blending his theological insights with mystery storytelling. He authored over 30 novels featuring Father Robert Koesler, earning praise for authentic clergy portrayals. His work explored moral complexities and the intersection of faith and crime. Kienzle also contributed essays to religious journals and lectured on spirituality and writing. He passed away on December 28, 2001, leaving a unique literary legacy within the Church.