February 26

Porphyry of Gaza (347–420) was a Greek bishop whose leadership helped establish Christianity in the city of Gaza. He is remembered for his determined efforts to dismantle pagan shrines and temples, replacing them with Christian churches. Contemporary historians such as Socrates Scholasticus recorded his deeds, including reported miracles and exorcisms. Porphyry consecrated numerous churches and supported the expansion of the Christian community in the region. Venerated as a saint, his legacy endures through accounts of his spiritual fervor and his dedication to the faith.

John Still was born in 1543 and studied theology at Cambridge University, rising to become Master of St John's College and Vice-Chancellor. He was appointed Dean of Rochester in 1589 before serving as Bishop of Bath and Wells from 1593 to 1607. A respected theologian, his eloquent sermons and writings influenced Elizabethan religious scholarship. Still championed church reforms and supported charitable works in his diocese. His treatise on naval history, 'Naumachia Britannica', reflects his diverse interests beyond theology. He died in 1608, remembered for his scholarly leadership and pastoral dedication.

Antonio Possevino was born in 1533 in Verona and entered the Society of Jesus in 1561. As a papal diplomat, he negotiated key treaties in Sweden, Poland, and Muscovy, advancing Catholic interests during the Counter-Reformation. He served as papal legate to Russia and Venetian territories, mediating disputes between secular and ecclesiastical authorities. A scholar as well as a diplomat, Possevino compiled bibliographies and translated patristic texts to support Catholic education. His works, including the 'Bibliotheca selecta', influenced Jesuit scholarship across Europe. He died in 1611, leaving a legacy of religious diplomacy and intellectual contributions.

Born in 1917 in Syracuse, New York, Theodore Hesburgh was ordained as a Catholic priest and earned a doctorate in theology. In 1952, he became president of the University of Notre Dame, serving for 35 years and transforming it into a leading research institution. He played a pivotal role in supporting the civil rights movement and advised multiple U.S. presidents on education policy. As a member of the Second Vatican Council, he contributed to the modernization of the Catholic Church. He also chaired the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights for nearly 15 years, advocating for racial equality and social justice. Over his lifetime, he received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Hesburgh authored more than thirty books on theology, education, and public service.