254
Pope Stephen I consecrated
Stephen I was consecrated Bishop of Rome on May 12, 254, succeeding Pope Lucius I. His pontificate was marked by the rebaptism controversy with Cyprian of Carthage.
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All Events
1191
Richard I marries Berengaria of Navarre
King Richard I of England married Berengaria of Navarre in Cyprus on May 12, 1191, during the Third Crusade. The marriage was performed by the Archbishop of Bordeaux.
1328
Antipope Nicholas V consecrated
On May 12, 1328, Pietro Rainalducci was consecrated as Antipope Nicholas V in Rome by the excommunicated bishop of Venice. He was set up by Emperor Louis IV in opposition to Pope John XXII.
1515
Thomas Cranmer ordained priest
Thomas Cranmer, later Archbishop of Canterbury and a leader of the English Reformation, was ordained a priest on May 12, 1515. He would become a key figure in the creation of the Book of Common Prayer.
1588
First Huguenot settlers arrive in Brazil
A group of French Huguenots arrived at Guanabara Bay, Brazil, on May 12, 1588, as part of an attempt to establish a Protestant colony. The effort, led by Nicolas Durand de Villegaignon, ultimately failed.
1780
First Methodist conference in North America held
The first annual conference of Methodist preachers in North America convened in Baltimore, Maryland, on May 12, 1780. This gathering helped organize the Methodist movement in the new nation.
1873
Pope Pius IX approves the Society of the Divine Word
On May 12, 1873, Pope Pius IX gave his approval to the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), a Catholic missionary order founded by Arnold Janssen. The order focuses on missionary work and inculturation.
1932
First Lutheran World Convention opens
The first Lutheran World Convention opened in Eisenach, Germany, on May 12, 1932. It gathered Lutheran leaders from around the world to foster unity and cooperation, leading to the later formation of the Lutheran World Federation.
1951
Pope Pius XII canonizes Maria Goretti
On May 12, 1951, Pope Pius XII canonized Maria Goretti, an Italian virgin and martyr, in St. Peter's Basilica. She is venerated as a patron of youth and victims of sexual assault.
1965
Second Vatican Council's final session begins
The fourth and final session of the Second Vatican Council opened on May 12, 1965, under Pope Paul VI. It would conclude in December, issuing key documents on religious liberty and the church in the modern world.