November 10

Musa al-Kadhim was born in 745 and recognized as the seventh Imam by Twelver Shia Muslims, tracing his lineage to the Prophet Muhammad. He became known for his deep scholarship and devotion, attracting students and followers across the Islamic world. Throughout his life, he faced political tensions with the Abbasid caliphate and was imprisoned multiple times. His teachings emphasized justice, compassion, and the rights of the downtrodden. He died in Baghdad in 799, and his shrine at the Kadhimiya Mosque remains a major pilgrimage site. Musa’s legacy endures in Shia religious thought and community leadership.

Bridget of York was born in 1480 as the daughter of King Edward IV of England. She chose a spiritual path and entered the Dominican convent at Dartford Priory, adopting a life of prayer and service. Though she lived there only briefly, her humility and charitable spirit inspired fellow nuns and visitors. Bridget was known for her gentle nature and care for the poor. She died in 1517 at a young age, shortly after taking her vows. Her brief religious vocation highlights the solemn devotion of Tudor princesses.

Martin Luther was born in 1483 and became an Augustinian monk and theology professor. In 1517, he published his Ninety-Five Theses, challenging the Catholic Church’s sale of indulgences and church authority. His writings spread rapidly, igniting religious debate and calls for reform across Europe. Luther translated the Bible into German, making scriptures accessible to common people and shaping the German language. Excommunicated in 1521, he continued to lead the Lutheran movement and established new Protestant churches. Luther’s legacy endures in the diversity of Christian denominations and the emphasis on individual faith.

Gebhard Truchsess von Waldburg was born in 1547 into a noble Swabian family and became Archbishop and Elector of Cologne in 1577. Shortly after, he converted to Calvinist Protestantism and married, defying celibacy and Catholic doctrine. His actions sparked the Cologne War (1583–1588), a violent conflict over the religious control of the electorate. Gebhard sought support from Protestant princes but eventually failed to maintain his position. He spent his later years in exile, continuing to advocate for religious freedom. Gebhard died in 1601, his struggle symbolizing the intense confessional disputes of the Reformation era.

Laurentius Paulinus Gothus was born in 1565 and became a noted astronomer in 17th-century Sweden. He held academic positions and published on celestial observations during a time of expanding scientific inquiry. Alongside his scientific work, Gothus served in high ecclesiastical offices within the Lutheran Church. He advocated for the harmony of faith and reason, influencing both scholarly and religious communities. His dual legacy in astronomy and theology reflects the interconnected nature of science and religion during the early modern period.

Anne-Marie Javouhey was born in 1779 in Chamblanc, France, during the turmoil of the French Revolution. Undeterred by anti-religious laws, she gathered a small group of women to form the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny in 1807. Under her guidance, the congregation focused on education, healthcare, and missionary work in Africa, India, and South America. Javouhey’s innovative approach emphasized local empowerment, training indigenous sisters to lead schools and hospitals. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1950 and remains celebrated for her forward-thinking missionary spirit and social reform efforts.

Jacob Hamburger was born in 1826 in Friesland, Germany, and ordained as a rabbi in the 1850s. He served Jewish congregations in Paderborn and Frankfurt, gaining respect for his erudite sermons and pastoral care. Hamburger authored several works on Torah commentary and Jewish ethics, blending traditional scholarship with modern insights. He was active in establishing Jewish schools that combined religious and secular studies. Through his writings and community leadership, he helped shape Jewish religious life in 19th-century Germany. Hamburger’s legacy endures in the field of Jewish education and interfaith dialogue.

Anscar Chupungco was born in the Philippines in 1939 and entered the Benedictine Order at an early age. He became a prominent liturgist and scholar, contributing to the renewal of Catholic liturgy after the Second Vatican Council. His work emphasized inculturation and the integration of local traditions into worship. He served as a professor at the Catholic University of America and founded the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions. His publications, including 'Studies in Liturgy', influenced liturgical practices worldwide. Chupungco continued his teaching and research until his death in 2013.