Andrew Bobola
Polish missionary and martyr

Born
1591
434 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1657
368 years ago — 66 years old
Category
Activists & Humanitarians
Country
Poland
Links & References
A Polish Jesuit missionary worked extensively in the regions of Lithuania and Belarus during the 17th century. Engaged in missionary activities, emphasis was placed on converting the local population to Christianity, particularly among the Eastern Orthodox communities. Captured by Cossacks in 1657, endured significant torture before being martyred. Recognized for sustaining faith in the face of persecution, the individual was canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church due to the martyrdom. Celebrated on May 16 in the liturgical calendar.
Missionary work in Lithuania and Belarus
Martyrdom for faith in 1657
Canonization as a saint
Other People Who Died on May 16th
Charles Perrault
Authored celebrated fairy tales including "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," and "Little Red Riding Hood." Contributed to the development of the fairy tale genre in literature and helped to popularize storytelling for children. In 1697, published "Histoires ou contes du temps passé," which compiled these tales, making them widely accessible and influential in European literature.
Continue ReadingBob Hawke
A prominent political figure, served as the 23rd Prime Minister of Australia from 1983 to 1991. Initially gained prominence as a trade union leader and played a significant role in union movement activities. Under leadership, Australia experienced economic reforms and a significant shift in industrial relations policy. Worked towards advancing educational policies and environmental reforms, influencing social and economic aspects of Australian society.
Continue ReadingA. Philip Randolph
A prominent labor leader and civil rights activist, contributions included organizing the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first predominantly African American labor union. Played a significant role in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, rallying support for civil rights and economic justice. Advocated for the rights of workers and promoted racial equality throughout a lengthy career in social justice activism. Helped to foster alliances between labor unions and civil rights organizations, enhancing cooperation in the fight for equality.
Continue ReadingJan Tarnowski
Tarnowski served as a prominent military leader and statesman in Poland during the 16th century. His military career included significant roles during the wars against the Ottoman Empire and the Muscovite state. He held the title of Voivode of Podolia, overseeing military operations and local governance. Tarnowski became known for his strategic prowess in battles and was influential in various political affairs. His leadership in defense of Polish territories contributed to the stability of the region during a tumultuous period in history.
Continue ReadingEdward Gibbon Wakefield
Contributed significantly to theories of colonization and land settlement. Advocated for systematic colonization in the 19th century, promoting the establishment of new colonies under direct government control. Instrumental in the founding of South Australia, which emphasized free settlement and the sale of land. Known for principles that aimed at balancing land availability with labor supply to create prosperous communities.
Continue ReadingMehmed VI
Born in 1861, served as the last Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1918 until the abolition of the sultanate in 1922. His reign coincided with the tumultuous period of World War I and the subsequent occupation of Istanbul. Oversaw the empire during significant political and social changes, including the rise of nationalist movements. After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire, fled to Italy. His reign marked the end of a centuries-old dynasty that had ruled over vast territories, including parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Continue Reading