Joseph Pearce on "Newman's monumental importance"

From today's edition of the Miami Herald:

The beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman on Sunday during the pope's visit to England is a timely reminder of Newman's monumental importance to the revival of Catholicism in his native England and the United States. His 1845 reception into the Catholic Church heralded a new dawn for Catholicism in the English-speaking world.

Before Newman, England's Catholic presence had withered to such a degree that only remnants of the old recusant families still carried the faith. These adherents to the ``Old Faith'' bore Catholicism in their hearts and in their homes, but they were effectively excluded from bringing it into public life. After Newman's conversion, Catholicism became a major intellectual presence in English cultural life. Thousands of British citizens followed him and converted to Catholicism.

This phenomenon crossed the Atlantic, heralding a similar revival in the United States.

If Newman's historical importance is beyond question, so is the great legacy he bequeath-ed to posterity. In theology, philosophy, education and literature his influence on both sides of the Atlantic is remarkable.

Read Pearce's entire piece. Also see, on Ignatius Insight:



• NEW: Through Shakespeare's Eyes: Seeing the Catholic Presence in the Plays
• Also see: The Quest for Shakespeare
• Biography of Joseph Pearce
• Books by Joseph Pearce published by Ignatius Press
• Ignatius Critical Editions, edited by Joseph Pearce
• Book Excerpts and Interviews

Comments

[William]

I love how Newman's feastday is the date he entered into union with the Church and not the date he died. What a statement by the Pope!

[Donna]

Well, the Blessed's date of death was August 11th - the feast of St. Clare of Assisi. Competing with the Franciscans is usually not a good idea ! :)