July 29

Born in 869 in Samarra, Muhammad al-Mahdi is the final Imam in Twelver Shia belief. He became Imam at a young age following his father's death and later entered a state of occultation, disappearing from public view. Shia Muslims believe he will reappear as the Mahdi to establish justice and peace on Earth. His hidden status has inspired centuries of religious devotion, scholarship, and cultural traditions. The doctrine of the Mahdi remains central to Shia theology and identity.

Born in 1744 in Piacenza, Giulio Maria della Somaglia entered the Roman Curia and rose through ecclesiastical ranks. Created a cardinal in 1795, he became a key advisor to Pope Pius VII during tumultuous Napoleonic times. He took part in negotiating the Concordat of 1801, reestablishing relations between France and the Catholic Church. After the fall of Napoleon, he influenced the Congress of Vienna's decisions on papal territories. Della Somaglia's diplomatic skills helped restore and reorganize the Papal States until his death in 1830.

Martin Körber was born in Vändra, Estonia, in 1817 and became a Lutheran pastor serving congregations in Livonia. Passionate about music, he composed choral works and organized local choirs, conducting festivals that blended Estonian and German traditions. Körber also wrote poetry and documented regional folklore, enriching the cultural life of his community. His efforts laid the groundwork for the Baltic choral movement and influenced church music practices. He died in 1893, remembered for his dual legacy as a clergyman and musician.

Ordained in the late 19th century, Father Rodrigues da Cruz dedicated his life to ministering in Lisbon and across Portugal. Renowned for his compassionate outreach, he supplied food and medicine to those in need and fostered popular devotion. His gentle sermons and personal humility earned him the affectionate title 'Abbé Cruz.' To this day, he is remembered for his miracles and tireless service to marginalized communities.

Serving as the rabbi of Brno from the late 19th century into the interwar period, Oppenheim guided his congregation through times of change. He championed Jewish education, translating sacred texts and lecturing on modern Torah scholarship. Known for his approachable style, he fostered interfaith dialogue and supported social welfare programs. His leadership left a lasting impact on Jewish life in Moravia.

Mahasi Sayadaw was a renowned Burmese Theravada Buddhist monk known for popularizing vipassana meditation. He developed the 'Mahasi Method,' emphasizing moment-to-moment mindfulness practices. Sayadaw's teachings attracted students worldwide and led to the establishment of meditation centers across Asia and the West. He authored numerous manuals and commentaries on Buddhist scripture and meditation techniques. His clear and systematic approach made mindfulness practice accessible to laypeople and monastics alike. Mahasi Sayadaw's legacy endures in contemporary mindfulness movements and spiritual communities. He passed away in 1982, leaving a profound impact on modern Buddhist practice.

Archbishop Iakovos (1911-2005), born Demetrios Koukouzis, was a prominent figure in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. He led the archdiocese from 1959 until 1996, overseeing growth in parishes and community programs. Iakovos was a vocal advocate for civil rights, walking alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1965 Selma march. He fostered interfaith dialogue and worked to bridge cultural divides within American society. Under his guidance, the archdiocese strengthened its educational and charitable initiatives. Iakovos's tenure left a lasting impact on both the Greek Orthodox community and broader American religious life.

Bruce R. McConkie was born in 1915 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He served as a colonel in the United States Army during World War II before being called as an apostle in 1947. He became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and devoted his life to church leadership and teaching. McConkie authored influential works on church doctrine, including the best-selling manual 'Mormon Doctrine'. He traveled worldwide as a missionary and speaker, shaping modern LDS theology. His conservative views and prolific writings left a lasting impact on the faith. McConkie passed away in 1985, leaving a significant legacy within his religious community.