February 16

Mary the Younger (875–902) was a revered saint in the Byzantine Empire known for her ascetic devotion and charitable works. She entered monastic life as a young woman, dedicating herself to prayer, fasting, and service to the poor. According to tradition, she performed healing miracles and offered spiritual guidance to fellow monks and pilgrims. Her life exemplified humility and piety, earning her a lasting legacy in Eastern Orthodox hagiography. Her feast day on February 16 continues to be celebrated by the faithful.

Richard of Dover (d. 1184) served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1173 until his death. Born in Normandy, he became a canon and later chancellor before his election as archbishop. He worked to restore church properties damaged by conflict and presided over important synods that addressed ecclesiastical discipline. A skilled diplomat, he mediated disputes between the clergy and King Henry II, balancing royal and papal interests. Known for his pastoral care and administrative reforms, his leadership strengthened the English church's autonomy. He died in 1184, leaving a legacy of ecclesiastical growth and stability.

Jean du Bellay (1493–1560) was a French cardinal, diplomat, and influential patron of the Renaissance. Born into a noble Breton family, he was appointed Bishop of Paris and later elevated to cardinal in 1535. Du Bellay represented King Francis I at the papal court in Rome and served as ambassador to England, negotiating key alliances. He supported humanist scholars, including François Rabelais, and collected a renowned library of classical manuscripts. Amid the Reformation, he advocated for moderate religious reforms and served as a liaison between France and the Vatican. In 1556, he became Archbishop of Paris, balancing ecclesiastical duties with political engagement at the French court. His correspondence offers insight into 16th-century diplomacy and culture. He died in 1560, remembered as a connector of art, scholarship, and statecraft.

Born in 1632 in Pernes-les-Fontaines, Fléchier was educated by Jesuits and showed early literary talent. He gained fame for his funeral orations, which combined classical elegance with emotional depth. In 1687 he was appointed Bishop of Nîmes, where he reformed clergy education and pastoral care. His published collections, including "Eloges" and "Précieuses", influenced French prose style. He was celebrated at court for his eloquence and became a member of the Académie française in 1672. Fléchier's writings blended devout Catholic faith with humanist learning, shaping 17th-century French literature. He died in 1710, leaving a legacy as one of France's greatest preachers and writers.

Born Ivan Dmitrievich Kasatkin in 1836, he dedicated his life to spreading Orthodoxy in Japan. After arriving in Tokyo, he mastered Japanese language and culture, establishing churches and schools across the country. Ordained as Father Nicholas, he built the foundation for the Japanese Orthodox Church. His respectful approach earned him trust among Japanese officials and converts. He was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1970 and is revered as Saint Nicholas of Japan.

Janani Luwum became Bishop of Northern Uganda and later Archbishop of the Church of Uganda in 1974. He courageously spoke out against human rights abuses committed by Idi Amin's dictatorship. In February 1977, Luwum was arrested and killed under suspicious circumstances, sparking international outrage. His death symbolized the struggle for justice and religious freedom in Uganda. Luwum's sacrifice is honored annually, and he remains a powerful example of faith and moral leadership.

Stephen Kim Sou-hwan was born in 1921 in Daegu and ordained a priest in 1946. He served as Archbishop of Seoul from 1968 to 1998, guiding the church through periods of political upheaval. Pope Paul VI elevated him to Cardinal in 1969, making him the first Korean to hold that rank. He became a moral voice during South Korea's democratization, meeting with leaders and supporting peaceful protest. Cardinal Kim retired in 1998 and remained a respected figure until his death in 2009.