Thought for the Day – 15 May – The 140th Anniversary of Cardinal John Henry

Thought for the Day – 15 May – the 140th Anniversary of Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890) being raised to the College of Cardinals

Blessed John Henry Newman was a great thinker – a seminal theologian and philosopher (he is one of Bishop Barron’s Pivotal Players in the History of the Church) – but, he possessed something much more than intellectual brilliance.   He possessed wisdom and a profound devotional life.   He brought to any practical topic an awareness of the unity and consistency of the whole of the Christian life.   His words are illuminated with immense insights and light – they get to the very core of soul – the core of what it means to be a Christian – the Light of Christ!

He has been called the “absent Father of Vatican II” because his writings on conscience, religious liberty, Scripture, the vocation of lay people, the relation of Church and State and other topics were extremely influential in the shaping of the Council’s documents.

Although Newman was not always understood or appreciated, he steadfastly preached the Good News by word and example.  A complex thinker, his words are always relevant in every age – he is truly a ‘doctor” of the church – which means a “teacher for all ages”.

Blessed John Henry Newman, Pray for Us!