January 16

Births - Religious Figures & Clergy

1630day.year

Guru Har Rai

(1630 - 1661)

Sikh Guru

Guru Har Rai was the seventh Sikh Guru who led the community with compassion and environmental stewardship.

Born in 1630, he succeeded his grandfather Guru Hargobind and guided the Sikh community from 1644 to 1661. He established free medical care with herbal remedies and cared for the poor and animals. Guru Har Rai maintained a stance of peace, refusing to engage in unnecessary conflict. He supported scholars of Sikh scripture and promoted the study of sacred texts. His leadership helped expand Sikh teachings and institutions across Punjab. Guru Har Rai's legacy of compassion and service remains influential in Sikhism.

1630 Guru Har Rai

1937day.year

Francis George

(1937 - 2015)

American cardinal

American cardinal who served as Archbishop of Chicago and a leading figure in the U.S. Catholic Church.

Francis Eugene George led the Archdiocese of Chicago from 1997 to 2014, guiding over two million Catholics. Elevated to cardinal in 1998, he was known for his scholarly approach to faith and strong advocacy for social justice. A member of the Dominican order, George emphasized theological education and interfaith dialogue. He played a key role in national and international church affairs, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. After retiring due to health issues, he passed away in 2015, leaving a legacy of pastoral leadership and academic rigor.

Francis George