Cardinal John Henry Newman will be canonized on Oct. 13 in the Vatican. The first time he came to Rome was as an Anglican, with a very negative view of the Catholic Church.
SR. MARY BIRGIT
International Center of Newman Friends
“When Newman arrived he had very mixed feelings, because at that time, he was convinced the pope was the Antichrist. Of course, Rome is a place of heresy. Let's put it like that.”
At the same time, his interest was in the first Christians, who gave their lives for faith in Rome's streets. The beauty of the Eternal City urged him to get to know the basis of Catholicism.
SR. MARY BIRGIT
International Center Of Newman Friends
“He was also fascinated by the beauty of Rome, by the churches and the art he encountered. For example, he loved the fountains in St. Peter's Square. He thought they were beautiful and gracious. He once said, 'Rome becomes more wonderful every day.' He enjoyed seeing all of its beauty.”
His process of conversion to the Catholic Church was slow, but steady. He would return to Rome to become a priest, at the College of Propaganda Fidei, in Piazza di Spagna.
SR. MARY BIRGIT
International Center Of Newman Friends
“He came to Rome to study for priesthood in 1846. It was a very important time of his life. He was ordained a Catholic priest in Rome, and it was in Rome that he got to know the Oratory of St. Philip and decide to become a member of the Oratory. He received a task from the pope. The task was to establish his Oratory in England. It was crucial for him.”
The last time Newman came to Rome was to be named a cardinal of the Catholic Church. He was recognized for his intellectual work to make Catholicism known in the Anglo-Saxon world. Now he will be back as a saint.
