422
Pope Celestine I begins his pontificate
Celestine I was elected bishop of Rome on September 10, 422. He vigorously defended the primacy of the Roman see and opposed Nestorianism, later sending legates to the Council of Ephesus in 431.
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All Events
1519
John Calvin born in Noyon, France
John Calvin, the influential Protestant Reformer, was born on September 10, 1519. His theological system, Calvinism, shaped Reformed churches worldwide, and his 'Institutes of the Christian Religion' became a foundational text.
1547
Battle of Pinkie Cleugh during the Rough Wooing
On this day, English forces defeated the Scots in a battle that had religious overtones, as England sought to force a marriage alliance and Protestant reforms on Scotland. The battle did not end Scottish resistance but intensified the conflict.
1622
Pope Gregory XV canonizes Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier
On September 10, 1622, Pope Gregory XV canonized Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, and Francis Xavier, the great missionary to Asia. Their feast days are celebrated on July 31 and December 3 respectively.
1797
Death of Mary Wollstonecraft, advocate for religious tolerance
Mary Wollstonecraft, author of 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,' died on this day. Though not a theologian, her writings influenced religious and social thought, advocating for rational Christianity and equality.
1813
Death of Robert Morrison's colleague, William Milne
William Milne, the first Protestant missionary to China after Robert Morrison, died on September 10, 1813. He helped translate the Bible into Chinese and established the Anglo-Chinese College in Malacca.
1897
First issue of 'The Christian Century' published
The influential American Protestant magazine 'The Christian Century' published its first issue on September 10, 1897. It became a leading voice for mainline Protestantism and social Christianity.
1919
Bishop George Bell ordained as deacon in the Church of England
George Bell, later Bishop of Chichester, was ordained deacon on September 10, 1919. He became a prominent ecumenist and outspoken critic of Nazi atrocities during World War II.
1943
Nazi occupation of Rome begins; Pope Pius XII protests
On September 10, 1943, German forces occupied Rome. Pope Pius XII, while maintaining diplomatic neutrality, worked to protect Jews and other refugees, and later faced criticism for his public silence.
1977
Last execution by guillotine in France (Hamida Djandoubi)
Although not religious, this event is noted in world history. The guillotine was used for the last time in France on this date, a method that had been used in the French Revolution against clergy and others.