715
Death of Saint Nilus the Younger
Saint Nilus the Younger, a Byzantine monk and abbot, died on this day. He founded the Basilian monastery of Grottaferrata near Rome and was known for his asceticism and theological writings.
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All Events
1329
Pope John XXII canonizes Saint Thomas Aquinas
On this day, Pope John XXII formally canonized Thomas Aquinas, the Dominican theologian and Doctor of the Church, in Avignon. Aquinas's works, especially the Summa Theologica, became foundational to Catholic theology.
1580
Francis Drake completes circumnavigation
Although not a religious event per se, Drake's voyage had religious implications as he returned with captured Spanish treasures and claimed California for England, fueling Protestant-Catholic rivalries. His chaplain, Francis Fletcher, conducted Anglican services during the journey.
1687
The Acropolis of Athens is bombarded by Venetian forces
During the Morean War, a Venetian mortar hit the Parthenon, which was then used as a gunpowder magazine by the Ottomans. The explosion severely damaged the ancient temple, which had been converted into a Christian church and later a mosque.
1777
First Baptist Church in Newport, Rhode Island, ordains a woman deacon
On this date, the First Baptist Church in Newport ordained Sarah Osborn as a deaconess, an early example of women's leadership in American Baptist life. Osborn was a prominent educator and spiritual leader.
1815
The Treaty of Paris establishes the Holy Alliance
Following Napoleon's defeat, Tsar Alexander I of Russia proposed the Holy Alliance, signed by Russia, Austria, and Prussia. This pact sought to base international relations on Christian principles, though it was often seen as a conservative tool.
1854
Pope Pius IX issues the bull Ineffabilis Deus
On this day, Pope Pius IX promulgated the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, declaring that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. This was a major defining moment in Catholic Mariology.
1881
The Revised Version of the New Testament is published
The English Revised Version, a major revision of the King James Bible, released its New Testament on this date. It was the first authorized revision since 1611 and used older Greek manuscripts.
1920
The American Lutheran Church is founded
On this day, the American Lutheran Church was formed by merging three Norwegian Lutheran synods in the United States. It later became part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
1960
First televised papal Mass in history
Pope John XXIII celebrated Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, broadcast live on television for the first time. This event marked a new era of media engagement for the Catholic Church.
1981
Mother Teresa opens a home in San Francisco
On this date, Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity opened a new convent and home for the poor in San Francisco. This was part of her global expansion of charitable works.