“Fear not that thy life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have a beginning.”

– John Henry Cardinal Newman
(1801 – 1890)

John Henry Newman was a true son of Saint Philip Neri. He was born into a middle class Anglican family during the nineteenth century England in a very class conscious society. The day he went to college it had not yet been decided if he would go to Oxford or to Cambridge. By chance Newman went to Oxford. At college in those days a person would pursue his or her course of studies with the help of a tutor. Exams taken at the end of the semester determined one’s rank. Newman would over work himself before the exams and do poorly on them, but he would redeem himself by winning the prestigious fellowship at Oriel College. It would be at Oriel and at Saint Mary’s, the college chapel, that his influence would grow.

John Henry Newman was disturbed by the liberal movement within the Anglican Church and set out to discover the true role of the Anglican Church. He envisioned a middle way between Protestantism and Catholicism. In his research to defend the theory of the middle way he would experience an intellectual and spiritual conversion. He would come to see that the Anglican position was very Protestant. It was this discovery while studying the Arian heresy that led Newman to convert to the Catholic Church. Because of his conversion Newman sacrificed everything. He was disowned by his family and friends. He also lost his position at Oriel and St. Mary’s and his reputation suffered as well. After his conversion he found himself surrounded by a family of converts. Having decided to join a  religious community, Newman and his group decided to adopt the Oratorian way of life.

Newman at the request of the Bishop of Birmingham established a house there.  He began his ministry among the Irish workers of the English city and would answer every call of the Church. He served as the rector of the Irish University. It was during this time that he would be sued for libel for opposing a former Catholic priest who was defaming the Church. Although Newman had been assured that there would be evidence to clear him, it failed to show up. He was found guilty of libel and was fined 100 pounds and court costs. A collection was taken up world wide that paid the fine and court costs. Newman’s dignity during the trial won back for him his influence and position in the Church. He would play a key role in defining Papal Infallibility.

Newman’s contribution to the Church was recognized by Pope Leo XIII when he made Newman a cardinal in 1879. He is considered to be the spiritual father of Vatican II. His theology laid the groundwork for Vatican II documents on the Church and the role of the laity.