January 01

Ali al-Ridha (766–818) was the eighth Imam of Twelver Shia Islam. He was born in Medina and was renowned for his scholarship and piety. He engaged in theological discussions at the Abbasid court under Caliph al-Ma'mun. His teachings emphasized justice, compassion, and devotion, shaping Shia doctrine. Ali al-Ridha's shrine in Mashhad, Iran, is one of the holiest sites for millions of pilgrims. He died under contested circumstances and is honored as a martyr.

Pope Alexander VI (born Rodrigo Borgia) served as head of the Catholic Church from 1492 to 1503. He was a member of the influential Borgia family and used his papacy to expand their power. His tenure was marked by nepotism, strategic alliances, and patronage of Renaissance art. He commissioned grand architectural projects in Rome and supported artists such as Pinturicchio. His pontificate highlighted the intertwining of religious authority and political intrigue. He died in 1503, leaving a legacy of both cultural achievements and enduring controversy.

Huldrych Zwingli was a Swiss priest and reformer who initiated the Protestant Reformation in Zurich in 1519. He challenged Catholic doctrines, abolishing Mass and promoting scripture-based worship. Zwingli convened public disputations to debate theological issues and garner support for reforms. His writings and sermons influenced Protestant movements across Europe. He forged alliances to protect religious freedoms and reshape church-state relations. Zwingli fell at the Battle of Kappel in 1531, becoming a martyr for his beliefs.

Born in 1714 in the Prussian Province of Lithuania, Kristijonas Donelaitis was ordained as a Lutheran pastor and dedicated his life to serving rural communities. He authored the epic poem Metai (The Seasons), completed in 1765 and published posthumously in 1818, offering a vivid portrayal of peasant life. Donelaitis's rhythmic verse, rich in folklore and social commentary, laid the groundwork for Lithuanian literature. He also translated hymns and theological texts into Lithuanian, reinforcing his cultural impact. Donelaitis's work became a cornerstone of his nation's literary heritage. He died in 1780, leaving an enduring poetical legacy.

Michele Lega was elevated to cardinal by Pope Pius XI in 1926 and served as Prefect of the Congregation for the Discipline of the Sacraments. He contributed significantly to the revision and codification of canon law, influencing Catholic liturgical practices. A respected theologian and church administrator, he guided the Church through periods of social change in the interwar years. Lega’s scholarship and leadership helped strengthen ecclesiastical discipline until his death in 1935.

Edward Joseph Hunkeler was born in 1894 and ordained as a priest in 1919. He served in various pastoral roles in Kansas before being appointed Bishop of Grand Island in Nebraska in 1945. In 1952, he became the first Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas, where he guided his archdiocese through the changes of the Second Vatican Council. Known for his commitment to social outreach and liturgical renewal, he oversaw the implementation of reforms and strengthened local parishes. Archbishop Hunkeler retired in 1969 and passed away in 1970, remembered for his leadership and compassionate ministry.

James Reeb was born on January 1, 1927, in Wichita, Kansas. He served as a Unitarian Universalist minister before answering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s call to join the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march. On March 9, 1965, Reeb was brutally attacked by segregationists and died two days later from his injuries. His death prompted national outrage and helped galvanize support for the Voting Rights Act. Reeb's legacy is honored by civil rights organizations and memorials in Selma and Boston. He is remembered as a martyr for racial justice and religious freedom in America.