October 09

Ferdinand Verbiest (1623–1688) was a Flemish Jesuit missionary renowned for his scientific achievements in China. Invited by Emperor Kangxi, he supervised the imperial observatory and reformed the Chinese calendar. Verbiest designed and built precision astronomical instruments, improving celestial observations. His work on thermometers and hydraulic models demonstrated advanced engineering skills. As a cultural ambassador, he translated European scientific texts into Chinese and vice versa. Verbiest’s fusion of science and faith exemplifies the Jesuit mission of knowledge exchange between continents.

Born in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, in 1871, Georges Gauthier was ordained a priest in 1894. He earned doctorates in theology and canon law, serving as a professor and administrator at the University of Ottawa. In 1918, he was appointed coadjutor archbishop of Montreal and succeeded as archbishop in 1939. Gauthier guided the archdiocese through social challenges of the Depression and the outbreak of World War II. He supported Catholic education, charitable initiatives, and the expansion of parishes in Quebec. His leadership lasted until his death in 1940, leaving a foundation for growth in the Montreal Church.

Aimee Semple McPherson (1890–1944) was a Canadian-American evangelist who founded the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1923. She became one of the most influential and dynamic religious figures in America, using radio broadcasts to reach a wide audience. McPherson was known for her theatrical revival meetings and strong advocacy of faith healing. She established charitable institutions such as orphanages and rescue homes, combining ministry with social work. Her innovative media presence and evangelistic style left a lasting impact on modern Pentecostalism.

Donald Coggan was an English Anglican bishop who held several senior posts before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury in 1974. Born in 1909, he served as Bishop of Bradford and then Archbishop of York, where he earned a reputation for pastoral care and ecumenism. As Archbishop of Canterbury from 1974 to 1980, he guided the Anglican Communion through times of social change and theological debate. Coggan championed greater unity among Christian denominations and played a key role in interfaith dialogue. He was known for his gentle demeanor, scholarship, and commitment to social justice. Under his leadership, the Church of England began to address modern challenges such as gender equality and liturgical reform. His legacy includes strides toward a more inclusive and globally connected Anglican community.

Shmuel Herzfeld (born October 9, 1974) is an American Modern Orthodox rabbi and activist. He serves as the senior rabbi of Ohev Sholom Congregation in Washington, D.C. Herzfeld is noted for his outreach efforts and engagement with interfaith and civic communities. He is a frequent commentator on Jewish and Israeli issues in national media. He has organized innovative prayer services and programs to attract young Jews. His work emphasizes social justice, pluralism, and strengthening Jewish identity.