The journey of John Henry Newman from Anglicanism to Catholicism was marked by profound spiritual discoveries and unwavering faith, ultimately leading him to make an indelible mark on the Catholic Church. One significant chapter in his life was his association with the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri, a religious community that played a pivotal role in his spiritual transformation.
Newman’s path to the Oratory began with a visit to Santa Maria in Vallicella, affectionately known as “Chiesa Nuova,” in Rome. This historic church was not only the place where Saint Philip Neri founded the Oratorians but also the final resting place of this revered saint. It was during this visit that Newman’s life took a profound turn, and he would go on to become an Oratorian priest.
Sister Anna Dueringer of the Spiritual Family The Work, a community inspired by Newman’s teachings, sheds light on this transformative period in Newman’s life. Newman’s second visit to Rome was driven by his desire for priestly ordination and to discover his place within the Church. He longed for a life of community and pastoral ministry, and it was in Rome that his heart was set ablaze with the spirit of Saint Philip Neri and the Oratorians.
“When Newman came to Rome the second time, he prepared for the priest[ly] ordination and he also wanted to find his exact place in the Church. He wished to live in community and friendship with other priests, but also to have a pastoral ministry. And here in this place he caught fire with Philip Neri and the Oratorians.” – Sister Anna Dueringer
On February 21, in the same year of his visit, Newman received the news that he, along with his dear friend Ambrose St. John, could establish an Oratory of Saint Philip in England. This marked the beginning of their journey to create a novitiate, commencing in July and culminating in December at Santa Croce in Gerusalemme in Rome. Their efforts were joined by five other friends from England, and their zeal attracted the attention of many, including a visit from the Pope himself. Their joy was palpable as they welcomed pious and devout novices into their community.
The legacy of John Henry Newman’s association with the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri continues to thrive in London, where the Oratory he helped establish remains vibrant and active. His commitment to the Oratorian way of life reflects the enduring impact of this spiritual community on his own life and the lives of countless others.
Newman’s conversion to the Catholic faith solidified his conviction in the “one true fold of the Redeemer,” as he fervently believed in the authority of the Pope as the vicar of Christ on earth. His unwavering faith in the Catholic Church remained a cornerstone of his life, and his devotion was manifested in his frequent visits to Saint Peter’s Basilica.
“…The first morning after his arrival in Rome, the end of October 1846, he and his friend Ambrose Saint John went to Saint Peter’s, to say the Apostles’ Creed at the tomb of Saint Peter. And whom did they meet there? The Pope himself, who was privately saying Mass – something happening very rarely and for Newman this was a clear sign of God’s loving providence.” – Father Hermann Geissler
Newman’s deep gratitude for his Catholic faith endured throughout his life, even in the face of numerous challenges and difficulties. In one of his letters, he expressed his profound contentment, stating, “Since I became a Catholic, I have the unmerited happiness and the grace of not having experienced any doubt about the divine origin of the Catholic faith.”
As the documentary unfolds, it takes us to San Giorgio in Velabro, a place of significance in Newman’s journey. It was here that John Henry Newman became the titular priest following his elevation to Cardinal in spring 1879, a testament to his dedication and service to the Church. Pope Leo XIII affectionately called him “il mio Cardinale,” meaning “my Cardinal.”
“In spring in 1879 he travelled to Rome for the last time because Pope Leo XIII wanted to elect him to the cardinal elect. He called him ‘il mio Cardinale,’ my Cardinal, lovingly.” – Sister Anna Dueringer
On May 12th, Newman received the Bull of appointment as Cardinal, an occasion that he commemorated with his famous Biglietto-Speech, where he summarized his life as a tireless fighter against liberalism in religion. This pivotal moment in his life culminated on May 15th when he was officially made a Cardinal in a public consistory.
“He was highly esteemed for his humility, his untiring concern for souls and his written contributions to the intellectual life of the Catholic Church.” – Sister Christiane Fritsch
While John Henry Newman’s health prevented him from visiting San Giorgio in Velabro during his cardinalate, his enduring legacy as a spiritual guide and staunch defender of faith persisted. Throughout his life, he faced suspicions and accusations, yet he remained resolute in his mission, which he summarized as a battle against religious liberalism.
A decade after his elevation to Cardinal, John Henry Newman passed away on August 11, 1890, in Birmingham, leaving behind a profound spiritual legacy that continues to inspire individuals around the world. His journey from Anglicanism to Catholicism, his association with the Oratorians, and his unwavering faith have left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the hearts of the faithful, serving as a beacon of light for those seeking truth, faith, and spiritual guidance.
