Saint John Henry Newman, Doctor of the Church: A Gallery

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Various Reports

Highlights - Solemnity of All Saints – Holy Mass, 1 November 2025 – Pope Leo XIV

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Patrick Reilly: Founder and President of The Cardinal Newman Society

And now, as of this morning, we officially have a new Doctor of the Church—just two days after naming him Patron of Catholic Education! Ora pro nobis, St. John Henry Cardinal Newman!

Today, my wife Rosario and I joined thousands of Catholics at All Saints Mass in St. Peter’s Square, celebrated by Pope Leo XIV. And I prayed for you and all supporters of The Cardinal Newman Society and Newman Guide Recommended education.

The entire Mass was beautiful and reverent!

The schola sang the hymn “Lead, Kindly Light,” with lyrics written by Newman at a time when his commitment to Christian paideia—the complete formation of students in intellect, faith, morals, and community—was severely tested at Oxford University.

Although fired from his tutor position, Newman never abandoned hope and instead became the world-renowned visionary for faithful Catholic education—now exalted by his status as the 38th Doctor of the Church.

For The Cardinal Newman Society, “Lead, Kindly Light” inspires our continued efforts to reform Catholic education and expand Newman Guide Recommended education, always trusting in God’s Providence.

“I do not ask to see the distant scene—one step enough for me.”

After the penitential rite, Pope Leo XIV stood and declared:

“We, having obtained the opinions of numerous Brothers in the Episcopate and of many of Christ’s Faithful throughout the world, having consulted the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, after mature deliberation and with certain knowledge, and by the fullness of the apostolic power, declare Saint John Henry Newman Doctor of the Universal Church. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

The schola began chanting “Alleluia” and quoted from the Book of Sirach, “Peoples will declare the wisdom of the Saints, and the Church proclaims their praises.”

Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, responded: “Most Holy Father, in the name of Holy Church, I thank Your Holiness for having today proclaimed Saint John Henry Newman ‘Doctor of the Universal Church.’”

Then, with all the joy of the angels, the huge crowd belted out the “Gloria.” Gloria in excelsis Deo, et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis! Laudamus te, benedicimus te, adoramus te, glorificamus te, gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam!

All praise and honor and glory to God, whose servant St. John Henry Cardinal Newman was a living witness and now eternal witness to the importance of Catholic education in fidelity and truth.

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ST AUGUSTINE

The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself.

From EVENSONG 22 JAN Psalm 109 Deus, laudem

HOLD not thy tongue, O God of my praise : for the mouth of the ungodly, yea, the mouth of the deceitful is opened upon me. And they have spoken against me with false tongues : they compassed me about also with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause. For the love that I had unto them, lo, they take now my contrary part : but I give myself unto prayer. Thus have they rewarded me evil for good : and hatred for my good will. Though they curse, yet bless thou : and let them be confounded that rise up against me; but let thy servant rejoice. Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame : and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a cloke. As for me, I will give great thanks unto the Lord with my mouth * and praise him among the multitude. For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor * to save his soul from the unrighteous judges.

MARCUS AURELIUS

There is but one thing of real value - to cultivate truth and justice, and to live without anger in the midst of lying and unjust men.

MARK TWAIN

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER

All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.