January 10

Husayn ibn Ali was born in 626 CE to Ali ibn Abi Talib and Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. He is the third Imam in Shia Islam and a central figure in Islamic history. Husayn’s leadership and refusal to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad caliphate symbolize the struggle for justice. In 680 CE, he and his companions were martyred at the Battle of Karbala. His sacrifice is commemorated annually during the festival of Ashura. Husayn’s legacy continues to inspire millions of Shia Muslims around the world.

Isaac Jogues was born in 1607 in Orleans, France and joined the Jesuit order in 1624. He was one of the first missionaries to reach what is now Canada and the Great Lakes region. Jogues learned indigenous languages and established missions among the Huron and Iroquois peoples. In 1642 he was captured and tortured by Mohawk warriors but managed to escape to Europe. Undeterred, he returned to North America and continued his missionary work. In 1646 he was killed by Iroquois attackers at Ossernenon, becoming one of the North American Martyrs. He was canonized in 1930 and is remembered for his courage and dedication to his mission.

Herman Maria Koeckemann was a German-born Capuchin friar who became the first Vicar Apostolic of the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii) in 1847. He oversaw the establishment of churches, schools, and social services among native Hawaiian communities. Koeckemann navigated cultural and linguistic challenges while promoting education and healthcare. He played a key role in translating religious texts into the Hawaiian language. Under his leadership, the Catholic mission grew significantly, and several churches became landmarks on the islands. Koeckemann's dedication helped shape the Catholic Church's presence in the Pacific region.

Louis-Nazaire Bégin was born in 1840 in Quebec and ordained a priest in 1863. He rose through the church hierarchy to become Archbishop of Quebec in 1898. In 1912, Pope Pius X elevated him to the rank of Cardinal, making him a leading figure in the Canadian Church. Cardinal Bégin championed Catholic education, social welfare programs, and the expansion of charitable institutions. His leadership helped define church-state relations in Canada before his death in 1925.

Robert Crosbie was born in 1849 and became deeply involved in the Theosophical movement. Disillusioned by organizational politics, he established the United Lodge of Theosophists in 1909 to emphasize impersonal study of spiritual teachings. Crosbie promoted the original works of Helena Blavatsky and William Q. Judge and encouraged lodges worldwide to focus on universal brotherhood. He edited and published the periodical 'Theosophy' to disseminate core doctrines and practical guidance. Crosbie's approach influenced generations of seekers and solidified the ULT as a key institution in modern esoteric thought until his death in 1919.

Jaime Garcia Goulart was ordained as a Catholic priest in the early 20th century. He dedicated himself to missionary work, serving in various parishes and communities. As a bishop, he provided spiritual guidance and leadership to his diocese. Goulart was known for his compassionate approach to pastoral care and his efforts to expand church outreach. He played a key role in promoting religious education and supporting the development of local ministries. He passed away in 1997, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and dedication to the church.

Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat was born in 1931 in Kelantan, Malaysia. Trained as an Islamic theologian, he became a respected cleric and educator. In 1990, he was elected as the 12th Menteri Besar of Kelantan, serving until 2013. Known for his humble lifestyle and ethical governance, he integrated Islamic principles into state administration. As national head of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), he influenced Malaysian politics at large. His tenure saw significant investments in education and religious infrastructure. He passed away in 2015, remembered for his spiritual leadership and political impact.