April 01

Louis-Zéphirin Moreau was ordained a priest in 1849 and served as parish priest and vicar general in the Diocese of Saint-Hyacinthe. Appointed bishop in 1875, he prioritized expanding Catholic education by founding schools and supporting religious teaching orders. Moreau also oversaw the establishment of hospitals and charitable institutions to aid the poor and sick. His leadership strengthened the diocese's community outreach and social services. Remembered for his pastoral care and commitment to social justice, Bishop Moreau left a lasting legacy in Quebec's religious life.

Columba Marmion was born in Dublin and entered the Benedictine monastery at Maredsous in Belgium in 1886. He served as Abbot of Maredsous from 1909 and led the community through the upheavals of World War I. Marmion's theological writings, particularly 'Christ the Life of the Soul', emphasize the centrality of Christ in Christian spirituality and have been widely read by Catholics. His reflections on prayer, mysticism, and the Christian life have inspired generations. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000, underscoring his enduring influence on modern spirituality.

Born in Gloucester and educated at Cambridge University. Made significant contributions to mathematical analysis, including the Barnes G-function. Ordained in the Church of England and gained prominence as a theologian. Advocated for social reform and liberal religious views, inspiring debate. Published numerous works on science, religion, and philosophy. Delivered lectures that bridged scientific and theological ideas. His intellectual versatility left a lasting impact on both academic fields. Influenced discussions on the relationship between faith and reason.

Shivakumara Swami was born in 1907 in Karnataka, India. He became the head of the Siddaganga Matha, leading spiritual and educational activities for decades. Passionate about social welfare, he established hundreds of schools and hostels to support underprivileged students. His philanthropic work earned him national recognition, including the Padma Bhushan award. Often called the 'Walking God' by followers, he was revered for his humility and dedication to service. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 111, leaving a lasting impact on education and spirituality in India.