Newman to be beatified

(article for September parish magazine)

The Vatican has announced that Cardinal John Henry Newman is about to be beatified. He is set to become the first English Saint in 40 years.

Newman was proclaimed 'Venerable' in 1991. This is the title given to a person who has been posthumously declared 'heroic in virtue'. 'Beatification' will recognise his accession into heaven and his capacity to intercede on behalf of those who pray in his name. It means that he is heading for 'Canonization'. The Church inscribes his name in the canon, or list, of recognised saints.

John Henry Newman was born in 1801 and died on August 11th 1890. In early life he was a major figure in the Oxford Movement, which sought to bring the Church of England back to its catholic roots. Eventually his studies persuaded him to convert to Roman Catholicism in 1845 and he established an Oratorian Community in Birmingham. Towards the end of his life he was made a Cardinal. When he died he was buried in a secluded cemetery on the outskirts of Birmingham but in anticipation of his imminent beatification he will be reinterred in a sarcophagus and moved to the Birmingham Oratory.

Pope Benedict XVI has taken a personal interest in Newman's Cause and acknowledges that he has been deeply influenced by his theology of the Church. Perhaps the beatification of this greatest of all Anglican converts to Rome may give him a very good reason to visit England sometime soon.

As for ouselves, I trust our ecumenism will allow us to greet the news of Newman's beatification with genuine joy. At any rate we can continue to be inspired by his hymns e.g. Firmly I believe and truly, Lead kindly light, Praise to the holiest. His writings e.g. Via Media, Apologia Pro Vita Sua can help us to be influenced by his life and thought.

True holiness is catching.