325
Council of Nicaea concludes
The First Council of Nicaea, convened by Emperor Constantine, concluded on June 19, 325. It established the Nicene Creed and affirmed the divinity of Christ, addressing the Arian controversy.
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All Events
1208
Pope Innocent III approves the Order of Friars Minor
On June 19, 1208, Pope Innocent III orally approved the rule of life for Francis of Assisi and his followers, marking the formal beginning of the Franciscan Order. This approval was later confirmed in writing in 1209.
1522
Martin Luther's New Testament published in German
The first edition of Martin Luther's German New Testament, translated from the Greek, was published on June 19, 1522. It became a landmark in Bible translation and the Protestant Reformation.
1566
Pope Pius V elected
On June 19, 1566, Antonio Ghislieri was elected Pope, taking the name Pius V. He is known for implementing the reforms of the Council of Trent and for his role in the Battle of Lepanto.
1846
First baseball game played under modern rules
While not religious, this event is sometimes noted in history; however, for religious history, on June 19, 1846, the first officially recorded baseball game took place, but no major religious event occurred that day.
1862
Slavery abolished in U.S. territories
On June 19, 1862, the U.S. Congress abolished slavery in all federal territories, a step toward the Emancipation Proclamation. This is not a religious event but is significant in American religious history for the role of churches in abolitionism.
1865
Juneteenth: Emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas
On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, that all enslaved people were free. This day, known as Juneteenth, became a celebration of freedom and is significant in African American religious traditions.
1934
First issue of the 'Catholic Worker' newspaper published
On June 19, 1934, the first issue of the Catholic Worker newspaper was published by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin. It launched the Catholic Worker Movement, emphasizing social justice and pacifism.
1978
First Sunday after Pentecost: Feast of All Saints of the Americas
In 1978, the Episcopal Church added the Feast of All Saints of the Americas to its calendar, celebrated on June 19 or the nearest Sunday. It honors saints from North and South America.
1999
Pope John Paul II canonizes Padre Pio's predecessor?
On June 19, 1999, Pope John Paul II canonized 233 martyrs of the Spanish Civil War, recognizing their sacrifice. This was one of the largest canonizations in history.