The Vatican has approved the second miracle in the canonization process for Blessed John Henry Newman. This means there are only two more steps until he is officially named a ‘saint’ by the Catholic Church.
These are that a commission of bishops must approve the canonization and, naturally, the pope must declare him a saint.
SR. KATHLEEN DIETZ FSO
Expert on Newman’s ecclesiology
We heard recently that the second miracle for Newman has been approved. That happened sometime in the middle of November. Approved by the Vatican. It was already approved by the archdiocese of Chicago. They investigated it because the miracle took place in Chicago. It was the healing of a young college student, who had a life-threatening pregnancy situation. She was healed immediately.”
According to the sister, the fact that the miracle happened in the United States sends a message that faith still exists in the country, despite the recent crisis within the Church. Additionally, she says the miracle hints at something more.
SR. KATHLEEN DIETZ FSO
Expert on Newman’s ecclesiology
“I find two things about that that are really striking. First of all, Cardinal Newman always responded to the signs of the times, we know we're living in a time where the culture of death permeates everything. That he did this miracle for life – not only for the life of the young woman, but also for her unborn child – is really significant.”
While on earth, Cardinal Newman had a special compassion toward the suffering, which seems to have carried forth even after his death.
SR. KATHLEEN DIETZ FSO
Expert on Newman’s ecclesiology
“Cardinal Newman will be canonized. Of this, I am absolutely sure. There's great hope he will be canonized next year. I hope it's as soon as possible. But whenever it is, we know that know he's in heaven praying for us.”
While the exact timing of the Vatican process to be canonized varies, no one can predict when it will be. But many are hopeful and are continuing to pray to Blessed Cardinal Newman.
