March 13

Born in Diest in 1599, John Berchmans joined the Society of Jesus at a young age. He was renowned for his dedication to academic excellence and strict adherence to Jesuit discipline. Berchmans excelled in philosophy and theology, often assisting his fellow students and professors. His deep piety and love for the Eucharist earned him a reputation for holiness among his peers. He died in 1621 at the age of 22, shortly after being sent to Rome, leaving a legacy of Christian virtue. Canonized in 1888, St. John Berchmans is considered the patron saint of altar servers and students. His feast day is celebrated on November 26 in the Roman Catholic Church.

Born Antonio Pignatelli in Spinazzola in 1615, he rose through the Church hierarchy to become pope in 1691. Innocent XII is remembered for his bull Romanum decet Pontificem, which curbed nepotism in papal appointments. He supported humanitarian causes, improving the administration of the Papal States and welfare programs. Innocent worked to reconcile quarrelling European powers and fostered diplomatic relations across Catholic monarchies. He canonized several saints and promoted missionary efforts, particularly in Asia and the Americas. His papacy marked a period of modest reform and consolidation rather than grandiose architectural projects. Pope Innocent XII died in 1700, leaving a reputation for integrity and compassion.

Born in 1815, Hepburn traveled to Asia as a medical missionary, arriving in Japan in 1859. He co-founded Japan’s first modern hospital, teaching Western medicine to Japanese students. Hepburn’s most enduring contribution was his Japanese–English dictionary and the Hepburn romanization system, which standardized the transliteration of Japanese into the Latin alphabet. His linguistic work facilitated cultural exchange and helped Westerners learn Japanese pronunciation. After returning to the United States, he continued publishing revised editions of his dictionary. Hepburn’s blend of medical, religious, and scholarly pursuits had a lasting impact on Japan–West relations.

L. Ron Hubbard rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s as a prolific writer of science fiction and adventure stories. In 1950, he published "Dianetics," introducing a new self-help methodology that led to the establishment of Scientology in 1953. Hubbard built the Church of Scientology into a global organization with unique doctrines and practices. His leadership style and the church’s growth sparked controversy, legal battles, and devoted followers worldwide. Beyond religion, he authored numerous books and essays, leaving a complex legacy at the intersection of literature and faith. Hubbard died in 1986.

Born in 1930, Walter Jacob was ordained at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and embarked on a career combining pastoral leadership with academic study. He served congregations across the United States, bringing innovative approaches to Reform liturgy. Jacob authored and edited prayer books and scholarly articles that bridged traditional Jewish worship with contemporary practice. He taught courses on Jewish liturgy and history, mentoring a generation of rabbis. His contributions to interfaith dialogue and Jewish education earned him recognition from religious and academic institutions alike. Jacob remained active in teaching and writing until his passing in 2024.

Michael Bruce Curry (born 1953) is an American bishop who has served as the 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the first African-American to hold the post. He was elected in 2015 and installed in 2016, leading the church in initiatives on social justice and community outreach. Known for his dynamic preaching style, he delivered a high-profile sermon at the 2018 royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Prior to his presiding role, he served as Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina for over a decade. He advocates for racial reconciliation, poverty alleviation, and expanding the church's global mission. An alumnus of the University of North Carolina and Virginia Theological Seminary, Curry continues to travel and speak worldwide. He maintains a presence on social media and hosts conferences on faith and leadership.