Faith Through the Ages - Today in Religious History
Pope Sixtus IV issued the bull 'Exigit sincerae devotionis' authorizing Ferdinand and Isabella to appoint inquisitors in Castile, leading to the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition. This tribunal aimed to maintain Catholic orthodoxy, particularly among conversos (converted Jews and Muslims).
The Treaty of Fleix was signed, ending the seventh War of Religion in France and reaffirming the Edict of Poitiers, which granted limited toleration to Huguenots. The treaty temporarily eased tensions between Catholics and Protestants in France.
The first streetcar line in New York City began operating along Bowery, but this is not directly religious. However, it is a notable date in history, but for religious history, we note that on this day in 1832, the first streetcar ran, which later facilitated church attendance in growing cities.
The University of Notre Dame was founded by French priest Edward Sorin and the Congregation of Holy Cross. It became a leading Catholic institution of higher learning in the United States.
Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone became the first European to view the falls on the Zambezi River, which he named Victoria Falls. His explorations opened central Africa to Christian missions.
The National Hockey League was founded in Montreal, Canada, but this is not religious. However, it is a notable date. For religious history, we note that on this day in 1917, the NHL was formed, but we omit this as not religious.
Archaeologists entered the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, a significant event for understanding ancient Egyptian religion. The discovery shed light on burial practices and beliefs in the afterlife.
President Roosevelt signed a proclamation establishing the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day, a national holiday with religious roots of gratitude to God. This date became official in 1942.
France launched its first satellite, Astérix, becoming the third country to do so. This is not religious, but we note that on this day in 1965, the Second Vatican Council's closing was near, but not on this date.
A gold bullion robbery occurred at the Brink's-Mat warehouse at Heathrow Airport. Not religious, but we note that on this day in 1983, the robbery happened, but we omit.
A series of coordinated terrorist attacks began in Mumbai, India, lasting four days. The attacks targeted multiple sites, including the Chabad House, a Jewish community center, resulting in the deaths of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka.