Cardinal Newman, Doctor of the Church

We rejoice at the news of Pope Leo XIV’s decision to declare Saint John Henry Newman, Cardinal Newman as he is perhaps better known, a Doctor of the Universal Church.  The official announcement of Conferral of the Title of Doctor of the Church was made by Pope Leo on Thursday 31st July last.  This title is rarely bestowed and recognises the exceptional contribution Saint John Henry made to theological research and reflection.  It puts him into the company of the greatest teachers the Church has ever had, together with such figures as Saint Augustine, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Teresa of Ávila and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux — now just thirty-eight in all.

The much-loved saint has a direct historical connection with our parish as described on our dedicated page here.   Saint Joseph’s church in Ballybrown houses a special shrine to Cardinal Newman, including  the altar upon which it is believed he celebrated Mass in Tervoe House when it was owned by the Monsell family

“Newman was a highly original thinker, who combined a vast knowledge of the Fathers of the Church with a keen appreciation of the contemporary culture and a deep understanding of human nature. As a result, his works, though composed in the nineteenth century, remain relevant and thought-provoking today. His motto, cor ad cor loquitur, “heart speaks to heart”, well expresses his ability as a thinker to engage personally with those who read him. His was a lifelong and sincere searching after truth, and his words still resonate with all who are engaged in such a search.”  (Archbishop Dermot Farrell) 

Saint John Henry Newman, pray for us!

(post date 07/08/2025)