October 13

Born Aspreno Caracciolo in Villa Santa Maria in 1563, he entered the priesthood and dedicated himself to Eucharistic devotion. In 1588, he co-founded the Congregation of the Clerks Regular Minor with six companions, focusing on pastoral care and missionary work. The congregation emphasized humility, service, and public ministry, spreading across Italy and beyond. Caracciolo was known for his deep spirituality, charitable works, and reforming zeal within his order. He died in 1608 aboard a ship en route to Rome. He was beatified in 1769 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2018, becoming a patron saint of chefs and feast-day celebrations.

Born in 1874 in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Klekl was ordained a priest before turning to politics. He championed the rights of the Slovene minority and served in regional councils advocating cultural autonomy. As editor of several Slovene-language newspapers, he used the press to promote education and national identity. During World War I and its aftermath, Klekl negotiated for minority protections in successor states. He continued his dual vocation as clergy and public figure until his death in 1948, leaving a lasting impact on Slovene-Hungarian relations.

Born in New South Wales in 1878, Hartigan was ordained in 1901 and served rural parishes for decades. Writing under the pseudonym John O'Brien, he captured the spirit of the Australian bush in verse and prose. His 1908 collection 'Around the Boree Log' became a national favorite, celebrated for its warmth and humor. Hartigan’s work bridged religious reflection with a deep appreciation for country life and ordinary people. He continued to publish poetry and stories until his death in 1952, leaving a legacy as a cherished voice of early 20th-century Australia.

Born in 1887 in Bytča, Tiso was ordained a priest before entering Slovak politics. He co-founded the Slovak People’s Party and became its ideological leader, advocating autonomy from Czechoslovakia. In the shadow of Nazi Germany, he accepted the presidency of the Slovak State in 1939 and governed through World War II. Tiso’s regime participated in anti-Jewish measures, a controversial aspect of his legacy. Arrested after the war, he was convicted of collaboration and treason, and executed in 1947.

Joseph Toal is a Scottish prelate of the Catholic Church. Ordained in 1975, he held various pastoral and academic positions before being appointed Bishop of Argyll and the Isles in 2008. In 2014, he became Bishop of Motherwell, where he oversees the spiritual and administrative needs of the diocese. Bishop Toal is noted for his commitment to ecumenical dialogue and community outreach. He has represented the Scottish Catholic Church at international conferences and continues to guide his flock with compassion and vision.