January 18

Saint Margaret of Hungary (1242–1271) was the daughter of King Bela IV of Hungary. From an early age, she was dedicated to religious life and took vows with the Dominican Order. Margaret lived a life of strict asceticism, prayer, and service to the poor in the convent of Veszprém. Her piety and reported miracles led to her canonization in 1943. She remains one of Hungary’s most revered saints, symbolizing devotion and humility.

Born in Venice in 1470, Bembo emerged as a leading humanist at the papal court. His treatise 'Prose della volgar lingua' championed the vernacular and shaped Italian literary standards. In 1539, Pope Paul III elevated him to cardinal, blending his scholarly pursuits with ecclesiastical responsibilities. His poetry celebrated Petrarchan ideals and influenced generations of writers. Bembo’s contributions to philology and literature left a lasting impact on Renaissance culture until his death in 1547.

Born in 1682 into the influential Schönborn family, he was ordained and rose quickly through ecclesiastical ranks. In 1729 he became Archbishop-Elector of Trier, exercising both spiritual leadership and secular authority in the electorate. He commissioned the grand Electoral Palace in Trier and promoted Baroque art, leaving a lasting architectural legacy. As a proponent of early Enlightenment thought, he initiated reforms in diocesan administration and education. Francis George’s tenure enhanced Trier’s cultural prestige until his death in 1756.

Born in 1819 in Rehetobel, Switzerland, Anton Anderledy entered the Jesuit order in 1838 and devoted his life to religious education. He taught philosophy and theology in Germany and France, shaping the curriculum for future Jesuit scholars. Anderledy was appointed Provincial of the Swiss Jesuits before being elected Superior General in 1883. Under his leadership, the Society of Jesus expanded missions in the Americas, Asia, and Africa, despite political challenges in Europe. He issued key directives on education and missionary work before his death in Rome in 1892.

Born in Belfast in 1867, Amy Carmichael felt a lifelong calling to serve vulnerable communities. In 1901, she founded the Dohnavur Fellowship in South India, providing shelter, education, and care to children at risk of exploitation. Over five decades, she rescued thousands of young girls from indentured servitude and pioneered models of holistic care and community living. Carmichael authored over 30 devotional books, sharing insights from her missionary experiences and deep spiritual reflections. She passed away in 1951, leaving a legacy of compassion and cross-cultural ministry that endures worldwide.

Born in 1873 in Huntsville, Utah, David O. McKay initially served as a missionary in Great Britain and presided over the European Mission. An educator and visionary leader, he emphasized the importance of religious education and established seminaries and institutes worldwide. Under his presidency, the LDS Church saw unprecedented membership growth and built hundreds of meetinghouses. McKay championed humanitarian aid projects, promoting welfare programs and aid to refugees. He fostered interfaith dialogue and expanded the church’s global influence, visiting over 40 countries. His 19-year tenure remains the longest in church history, and he is remembered for his compassion and dedication to service.

Jan Twardowski was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1944 and served communities across Poland. He published his first poetry collection in 1949, blending simple language with profound spiritual themes. Twardowski's poems, essays, and children's stories became staples of modern Polish literature. He survived Nazi occupation and later communism, using his writings to offer hope and moral reflection. Awarded numerous honors, including the Polish PEN Club prize, he remained a beloved public figure until his death. His warm, faith-filled verse continues to inspire readers and underscores the human experience.