June 15

Born into slavery in Maryland, Josiah Henson escaped to Canada in 1830, where he founded the Dawn Settlement to provide education and work for former slaves. He became a prominent minister in the British Methodist Episcopal Church, advocating for abolition and social welfare. Henson’s 1849 autobiography, 'The Life of Josiah Henson,' exposed the brutal realities of slavery and became a bestseller. Harriet Beecher Stowe credited his story as inspiration for the character Uncle Tom in her landmark novel. Henson toured Britain to raise funds for his settlement and the abolitionist cause, earning widespread support. After the Civil War, he returned to the United States to continue his work in education and civil rights. He died in 1883, celebrated for his leadership and enduring impact on the fight against slavery.

Born in 1848 in Mulanthuruthy, Kerala, Gheevarghese Mar Gregorios was ordained in the Syriac Orthodox tradition and later became the Metropolitan of the Niranam diocese. Known for his deep spirituality and ascetic lifestyle, he established schools, churches, and hospitals to serve the faithful. Accounts of his miracles and compassionate ministry spread throughout Kerala. In 1947, he became the first canonized saint of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. His legacy endures through the Parumala Seminary and annual feast celebrations. He died in 1902 and is remembered as a guiding light for believers.

Born in England in 1888, D'Arcy joined the Society of Jesus and was ordained in 1920. He taught philosophy and theology at Jesuit institutions, earning a reputation for eloquent lectures. D'Arcy wrote influential works on spirituality, friendship, and the intersection of faith and art. As rector of the Jesuit church in London, he hosted intellectual salons that attracted leading thinkers. His writings and teachings helped shape Catholic thought on personalism and aesthetics. D'Arcy died in 1976, leaving behind a lasting scholarly legacy within the Church.

Born in Long Beach, California, Levada was ordained a priest in 1961 and became Bishop of Portland in 1986. He was appointed Archbishop of San Francisco in 1995 and created cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003. From 2005 to 2012, he served as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the first American to lead a Vatican congregation. Known for his theological orthodoxy and diplomatic skills, he played a key role in shaping Catholic doctrine in the early 21st century. After his retirement, he continued to advise the Church until his death in 2019.

Born in 1945 in Guinea, Robert Sarah was ordained a priest in 1969 and later became Bishop of Conakry. He was appointed President of the Pontifical Council 'Cor Unum' in 1994, overseeing Catholic charity work worldwide. In 2001, John Paul II made him Pro-Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. Cardinal Sarah is noted for his theological writings, advocacy for liturgical tradition, and contributions to discussions on faith in contemporary society.