Dr. Paul Farmer was world-renowned for his medical achievements, but he also had a profound impact on friends and colleagues who saw him as a person of great holiness.

Thich Nhat Hanh, who died on Jan. 21, had a profound influence on Thomas Merton, who said, “I have far more in common with Nhat Hanh than I have with many Americans, and I do not hesitate to say it.”

Sidney Poitier’s abilities as an actor were subtle, even spiritual. They were about soul. Not his. Ours.

Joan Didion was capable both of conjuring up the horrors of modern life and of offering solace that there was still a point to it all.

John Padberg, S.J., the noted Jesuit historian, died on Christmas Day. He is remembered here by his longtime friend and colleague, John W. O'Malley, S.J.

The South African human rights campaigner and Anglican clergyman was known throughout the world for his human rights accomplishments. But above all, he was a committed priest and person of deep prayer.