Newman becomes a Doctor of the Church amid England’s ‘spiritual wasteland’
Newman’s call for each one of us to remember the true meaning of life on earth is very apt.
Once more the complex relationship England has with the Catholic Church was thrust into the global spotlight at the Vatican this weekend, with Pope Leo XIV’s formal proclamation of St. John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Church.
If the state visit of King Charles III just days ago was not enough, England has again taken centre stage in the papal calendar this week. As of today, Newman, the much-loved English cardinal of the 1800’s, is probably about as far from his Anglican roots as it is possible to be.
Born as an Anglican, ordained into the Church of England, before converting to the Catholic Church and being ordained in Rome, Newman has now not merely been declared a saint, but also been raised to the distinct honour of becoming a Doctor of the Church.
In receiving this title, Newman joins just 37 other men and women whom the popes have thus designated as Doctors of the Church, testifying to the eminent and universal impact of his writings and teachings.
“Newman’s impressive spiritual and cultural stature will surely serve as an inspiration to new generations whose hearts thirst for the infinite, and who, through research and knowledge, are willing to undertake that journey which, as the ancients said, takes us per aspera ad astra, through difficulties to the stars,” Pope Leo XIV said during his homily today.
The English saint’s appeal…
Continue reading the analysis of today’s poignant Vatican ceremonies at the author’s article published on the Catholic Herald.