October 24

Saya San was a Burmese Buddhist monk who became a nationalist leader and symbol of resistance against British colonial rule in Burma. Born U Thar Do in 1876, he took the monastic name Saya San and combined religious teachings with anti-colonial activism. In December 1930, he founded the Galon Rebellion, rallying peasants and monks under the banner of a mythical bird. The uprising spread rapidly but was suppressed by British forces, leading to widespread arrests and executions. Saya San was captured in 1931 and executed later that year, becoming a martyr for Burmese independence. His leadership inspired future generations in the struggle for national sovereignty. He is remembered as a complex figure who merged spiritual authority with political ambition.

Paul Grégoire was born in Montreal in 1911 and ordained as a priest in 1938 after earning a doctorate in theology. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Montreal in 1960 and became Archbishop in 1968, guiding the archdiocese through a period of social change. In 1988, Pope John Paul II made him a cardinal, recognizing his pastoral leadership and commitment to Vatican II reforms. Grégoire was known for his emphasis on ecumenism and outreach to marginalized communities. He retired in 1990 and passed away in 1993, remembered for his influential role in the Canadian Catholic Church.

Peter Takeo Okada (1941–2020) was a Japanese Roman Catholic archbishop who guided the Archdiocese of Tokyo for two decades. After his ordination in 1967, he studied theology in Rome and returned to serve in various pastoral roles. Appointed archbishop in 2000, Okada focused on evangelization and interfaith dialogue in Japan's largest archdiocese. He championed outreach programs addressing social issues and strengthened ties between local communities and the Vatican. In 2011, he provided spiritual leadership during the aftermath of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Okada retired in 2017 but remained active in church affairs until his passing. His tenure was marked by humility, compassion, and a commitment to fostering understanding across faiths.

Born in 1952, Francesco Camaldo has served the Catholic Church in Italy for decades. He has undertaken pastoral duties in parishes, guiding parishioners through religious education and spiritual guidance. Camaldo is recognized for his commitment to community outreach and charitable initiatives. He has organized events to support social welfare and strengthen church engagement. His work continues to foster a sense of faith and community among his congregation.