October 23

Born Íñigo López de Loyola around 1491 in the Basque region, Ignatius was initially a soldier before experiencing a profound spiritual conversion after a battlefield injury. He composed the ‘Spiritual Exercises,’ a manual for prayer and meditation that became central to Jesuit training. In 1540, he received papal approval to establish the Society of Jesus, emphasizing education, missionary work, and loyalty to the Pope. Under his leadership, the Jesuits quickly spread across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, playing a critical role in the Counter-Reformation. Canonized in 1622, Ignatius remains one of the most influential figures in Catholic history.

Born in 1790 in Connecticut, Goodrich graduated from Yale and was ordained as a Congregational minister. He served parishes in Massachusetts and Connecticut before turning to lexicography. In 1827, he published A Comprehensive Pronouncing and Explanatory Dictionary of the English Language, building on Noah Webster's work. Later appointed Professor of Rhetoric and Oratory at Yale College, he influenced generations of students. He remained at Yale until his death in 1860, leaving a lasting legacy in American lexicography and education.

Born in 1832 in Nilsiä, Johan Gabriel Ståhlberg studied theology at the University of Helsinki and was ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He served as a parish priest in Oulu and later as a teacher, emphasizing moral education and Finnish culture. His dedication to community welfare influenced his son, Karl Johan, who became Finland's first President. Ståhlberg was also involved in local civic affairs, supporting schools and social services. He died in 1873, leaving a legacy through both his pastoral work and his family's contribution to Finnish independence.

Francis Clement Kelley (1870–1948) was ordained in Toronto before moving to the United States to serve in various pastoral roles. Appointed the second bishop of the Diocese of Oklahoma City and Tulsa in 1924, he fostered community outreach and education, establishing schools and charitable programs. Kelley also served as the founding editor of the Catholic Extension Society's publications, advocating for rural and impoverished communities. A writer and speaker, he collaborated with Vatican leaders on social justice initiatives during the interwar period. His dedication to faith-driven humanitarian work left a lasting imprint on the American Catholic Church.

Jaan Lattik was born in 1878 and began his career as a Lutheran pastor in Estonia. Following World War I, he entered politics and was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1922 to 1924. During his tenure, he represented Estonia at international conferences and strengthened diplomatic ties. After the Soviet occupation, Lattik emigrated to Sweden, where he continued his pastoral work in exile. He is remembered for blending religious conviction with dedicated diplomatic service until his death in 1967.