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John Henry Newman began his religious career as a nineteenth-century Fellow of Oriel College and the Rector of St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church in Oxford, England. At the age of 44 he converted to Roman Catholicism and founded the first English speaking Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Birmingham, England. He was made a cardinal of the Catholic Church in 1879. His many scholarly works were a significant force that helped shape religious thought not only in Newman's time, but throughout the 20th century. His influence continues today. |
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| John Henry Newman stands as a giant in the fields of theology, philosophy,
and education. Influencing many academic and spiritual disciplines,
Newman's writings and his lifelong search for religious truth have
inspired scholars throughout the world. |
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Newman's reform-minded philosophy and theology was so influential
that he became known as the "Invisible Father" of the Second
Vatican Council (1962-1965). This distinguished title was given to
him because his ideas energized the conversations that set that council
in the direction of reconciliation and dialogue with the modern world.
His nineteenth-century writings also set into motion the Council's
teaching on the role of the laity, conscience and education. In short,
Newman helped foster an ecumenical view of the world and remains
as relevant today as ever. |
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| In 1991, Pope John Paul II declared Cardinal Newman to be "Venerable,"
that is, worthy of reverence, in recognition of his having practiced
the virtues of holiness to a heroic degree. |
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This motto of the Venerable John Henry Newman (1801-1890) has guided generations of scholars to
explore the spiritual and philosophical writings of one of the world's most influential theologians.
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