January 12

Born in 1723 in Massachusetts, Samuel Langdon became a prominent Congregational minister known for his eloquent sermons. He served as a chaplain during the French and Indian War, providing spiritual support to colonial troops. In 1774, Langdon was appointed president of Harvard University, where he championed classical education and moral philosophy. He guided the institution through the turbulent years of the American Revolution, balancing academic duties with political upheaval. His writings on theology and ethics influenced early American religious thought. After resigning in 1780, he continued to lecture and write until his death in 1797. Langdon's career reflects the intersection of faith, education, and leadership in colonial America.

Born Narendranath Datta in 1863 in Kolkata, he became the chief disciple of the mystic Ramakrishna. He gained international fame after his stirring speech at the 1893 Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago. He founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 to advance interfaith harmony and social service. Vivekananda’s teachings emphasized universal tolerance, selfless action, and the unity of all religions. His legacy continues to inspire spiritual seekers worldwide long after his death in 1902.

Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad was born in 1889 in Qadian, British India, as the eldest son of the movement's founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. He became the second caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in 1914, guiding its growth through significant social and doctrinal reforms. Under his leadership, missions were established across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, marking the community's first major international expansion. He championed education for all, founding schools and colleges while authoring numerous works on theology and interfaith dialogue. Facing political upheaval and the partition of India, he relocated the community’s headquarters to Pakistan in 1947. His tenure of over five decades was marked by organizational consolidation and cultural outreach. He passed away in 1965, leaving a legacy of global missionary work and intellectual contributions to modern Islamic thought.

Born in Ottawa, Plourde was ordained as a priest in 1940 and earned advanced degrees in theology. He served as a professor and rector at various Canadian seminaries before being appointed Archbishop of Ottawa in 1967. Plourde participated in the Second Vatican Council, contributing to modernizing church practices. As Archbishop until 1989, he emphasized pastoral care and ecumenical dialogue. He wrote several theological works and supported educational initiatives in his archdiocese. After retiring, he remained active in charitable causes and mentoring young clergy.