1174
Death of Pope Alexander III's rival, Antipope Callixtus III
Antipope Callixtus III, who opposed Pope Alexander III during the schism of 1168-1178, died on this date. His death helped consolidate Alexander III's papacy.
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All Events
1249
Consecration of Alexander Nevsky as Prince of Novgorod
Alexander Nevsky, later venerated as a saint in the Russian Orthodox Church, was consecrated as Prince of Novgorod on this date. He is celebrated for his military victories and defense of Orthodox Christianity.
1534
Founding of the Ursuline Order by Angela Merici
Angela Merici founded the Company of St. Ursula (Ursulines) on this date in Brescia, Italy. It was the first teaching order of women in the Catholic Church, dedicated to educating girls.
1648
Birth of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French Roman Catholic nun, was born on this date. She promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and was canonized in 1920.
1773
Pope Clement XIV suppresses the Society of Jesus
On this date, Pope Clement XIV issued the brief Dominus ac Redemptor, suppressing the Jesuit order. The suppression was politically motivated and lasted until 1814.
1863
Birth of Samuel A. Moffett, pioneer Presbyterian missionary to Korea
Samuel A. Moffett, an American Presbyterian missionary, was born on this date. He helped establish the Presbyterian Church in Korea and translated the Bible into Korean.
1886
Death of Father Edward Sorin, founder of the University of Notre Dame
Father Edward Sorin, a French priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, died on this date. He founded the University of Notre Dame in 1842 and served as its first president.
1919
Birth of Brother Roger Schutz, founder of the Taizé Community
Brother Roger Schutz, a Swiss Reformed pastor, was born on this date. He founded the Taizé Community in 1940, an ecumenical monastic order known for its reconciliation work.
1955
Death of Ruth Paxson, American missionary and author
Ruth Paxson, a Presbyterian missionary to China and author of spiritual classics, died on this date. Her books like 'Life on the Highest Plane' influenced many Christians.
1973
Death of Cardinal Francis Spellman, Archbishop of New York
Cardinal Francis Spellman, a prominent American Catholic leader, died on this date. He served as Archbishop of New York from 1939 to 1967 and was a close advisor to several popes.
1985
Live Aid concert raises funds for Ethiopian famine relief
The Live Aid benefit concert, held on this date, raised over $100 million for famine relief in Ethiopia. Many Christian musicians and organizations participated, highlighting faith-based humanitarian efforts.
2005
Death of Brother Roger Schutz, founder of Taizé
Brother Roger Schutz was assassinated on this date during a prayer service at the Taizé Community. His death shocked the ecumenical world, but the community continues his legacy.