U.S. Pilgrims to Attend Newman Beatification with Pope Benedict
A group of American Catholics are preparing to attend the Beatification of the 19th century convert John Henry Cardinal Newman in September at a Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI.
“The Fathers of the Birmingham Oratory, which was founded by Newman, have graciously invited us to attend the Beatification Mass and visit Newman’s own room and library,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society, which is sponsoring the pilgrimage. “It will be an extraordinary experience, especially given Newman’s relevance for our times and Mass with the Holy Father.”
The pilgrimage, dubbed “official” because of the endorsement of the Cause for Newman’s Canonization and guaranteed seats at the Beatification Mass, is mostly full but still accepting late registrations. Details and registration information can be found here.
Father Michael Barber, S.J., a Newman scholar and friend of the Birmingham Oratory, will be a spiritual guide on the pilgrimage.
“Cardinal Newman’s teachings and example have extraordinary influence on the Church today,” Father Barber said. “Three popes, including Benedict XVI, have predicted he will be declared a Doctor of the Church.”
Participants will visit Catholic sites in Oxford and London and will hear lectures from Father Ian Ker, the leading biographer of Newman, and Deacon Jack Sullivan, whose back was healed miraculously by Newman’s intercession.
The pilgrimage is part of the Newman Legacy Project, an effort by The Cardinal Newman Society (CNS) to help preserve and promote Newman’s legacy in the United States. Newman is patron to the work of CNS in Catholic higher education, because of his famous book The Idea of a University and his lifelong campaign to warn against the dangers of relativism and secularism.
CNS is working with the Birmingham Oratory to identify donors to help preserve more than 10,000 of Newman’s original, handwritten sermons, letters and other texts that remain in the care of the Oratory. Plans include building a permanent archive and a museum and visitor’s center in Birmingham, England. For more information, contact CNS at NewmanLegacy@CardinalNewmanSociety.org.
Source: Cardinal Newman Society
For more information, or to register, also see the following itinerary and registration form.
Speaking of the Newman beatification, Luke Coppen notes on his blog today that "The Pope will beatify Cardinal Newman in Birmingham rather than in Coventry and tour the Birmingham Oratory..."
