August 26

Humilis of Bisignano dedicated his life to the Franciscan ideals of poverty and service. He cared for the sick and poor, gaining a reputation for compassion that drew visitors seeking spiritual guidance. Miracles attributed to him during his life and after his death contributed to his veneration. He was beatified in the early 18th century and later canonized by the Catholic Church. His relics and legacy remain honored at sites in Calabria, where pilgrims continue to seek his intercession. Humilis's example of faith and charitable works embodies the Franciscan spirit of simplicity and charity. His writings and teachings influenced fellow friars and laity in Southern Italy.

Born in Spain, Manuel Abad y Queipo became a leading figure in the Mexican Church and championed the rights of the indigenous population. He served as Bishop of Michoacán and was influential in promoting educational initiatives. Abad y Queipo criticized the privileges of the Church in colonial society and argued for more equitable treatment of the poor. His progressive ideas brought him into conflict with both ecclesiastical authorities and civil officials. Despite resistance, his writings and pastoral work left a lasting impact on the development of the Mexican clergy and social policy. He died in 1825 after a life dedicated to religious service and reform.

Born as Ivan Veniaminov in Russia, he ventured to Alaska in 1824 to minister to indigenous peoples. Learning local languages, he translated religious texts and taught literacy, blending Orthodox faith with native cultures. Veniaminov founded schools, established churches, and authored a Kodiak Aleut alphabet. In 1840 he was consecrated bishop, overseeing Alaska’s vast dioceses. Later, he served as Metropolitan of Moscow, revitalizing the Russian Church through education and pastoral reforms. Canonized in 1977, Saint Innocent is celebrated for his compassionate missionary work and cultural sensitivity that shaped Orthodoxy in North America.

Born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje, she entered missionary life in India and founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. She devoted her life to caring for the poorest of the poor, establishing homes for the dying, orphanages, and leper colonies. Her unwavering compassion and service earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta in 2016, her legacy continues to inspire millions around the world. Her work remains a testament to selfless charity and faith in action.

Gerard Campbell joined the Society of Jesus and was ordained in 1950, later earning a doctorate in philosophy. He served as a professor of theology and philosophy before becoming the president of Georgetown University in 1964. During his tenure, he oversaw significant expansion in academic programs and civil rights initiatives on campus. Campbell advocated for dialogue between faith and reason, promoting interfaith understanding. After his presidency, he continued teaching and writing on religious and ethical issues. His leadership left a lasting impact on one of America's oldest Catholic institutions.

Allahshukur Pashazadeh is an Azerbaijani Shiite cleric and theologian who has served as Sheikh ul-Islam and Grand Mufti of the Caucasus since 1980. Born in 1949 in Baku, he studied theology at the Islamic University of Lahore before returning to Azerbaijan. He heads the Muslim Board of the Caucasus, overseeing Islamic affairs in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. Under his leadership, the region experienced a revival of mosque restoration and religious education following the fall of the Soviet Union. He regularly participates in interfaith dialogues and promotes peaceful coexistence among religious communities. Pashazadeh is known for his scholarly writings on Islamic jurisprudence and social ethics. He has been honored with awards for his service in fostering religious understanding.