January 09

Born Alessandro Ludovisi in Bologna in 1554, he was elected pope as Gregory XV in 1621. During his pontificate, he canonized saints Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier. He reformed papal elections by introducing the secret ballot procedures known today. He founded the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith to coordinate global missionary work. His tenure intersected with the early years of the Thirty Years’ War, advocating for peaceful resolutions. Gregory XV died in 1623, leaving an enduring legacy in church administration and missionary activity.

Born in 1856 in the Slovenia region of the Austrian Empire, Anton Aškerc studied theology before ordination. He served as a parish priest while writing poetry that blended religious themes with folk traditions. Aškerc's collections, including 'The Mountains and the Sea', showcased his elegant language and social commentary. He became a leading figure in the Slovene literary revival, advocating for national identity through verse. His poems addressed moral questions, rural life, and the beauty of the Slovenian landscape. Despite conflicts with church authorities over his progressive views, he remained devoted to his congregation. Aškerc's work influenced later generations of Slovene poets and solidified his place in national literature. He died in 1912, remembered as a pioneer of modern Slovene poetry.

Born in 1902 in Barbastro, Spain, Josemaría Escrivá was ordained a priest in 1925 and founded Opus Dei in 1928 to promote holiness in everyday life. He traveled extensively to spread his message that ordinary work and family life are a path to sanctity. Escrivá wrote The Way, a best-selling spiritual guide, and received papal honors for his work. The organization grew into a global institution with lay members and priests. He was beatified in 1992 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002, becoming one of the most influential Catholic figures of the 20th century. He died in 1975.

Born in 1909 in County Mayo, Ireland, Patrick Peyton immigrated to the United States and was ordained a priest in 1933. He became known as the ‘Rosary Priest’ for his campaign encouraging families to pray the rosary together, adopting the slogan ‘The family that prays together stays together.’ Peyton harnessed radio, television, and large public rosary rallies to reach millions worldwide. He founded Family Theater Productions, producing films and programs with religious themes. His innovative use of mass media earned papal commendations and influenced Catholic evangelization. Peyton died in 1992, leaving a lasting impact on religious broadcasting.