UK faithful celebrate recognition of Newman’s miracle

By Devin Watkins

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, welcomed the “wonderful news” shortly after a miracle attributed to Cardinal Newman’s intercession was recognized on Wednesday.

“This is wonderful news which will be greeted with thanks to God by people across the world,” the Archbishop of Westminster said in a statement. “Newman’s exploration of faith, depth of personal courage, intellectual clarity and cultural sensitivity make him a deeply admired follower of Christ.”

Best of 2 traditions

Newman first became an Anglican (Church of England) priest, before converting to Catholicism. He was ordained a Catholic priest and later named a Cardinal. Newman is revered by both the Catholic, as well as the Anglican Churches.

“He brings together so many of the best of Catholic traditions shared well beyond the Catholic Church,” Cardinal Nichols said. “His canonisation will be welcomed especially in the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion.”

Cardinal Nichols said Newman’s contemporaries in Birmingham “recognised his holiness and lined the streets at the time of his burial. I hope every parish priest in England will hold his head high today knowing Cardinal Newman is declared a saint.”

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI declared Cardinal Newman on 19 September 2010, during his historic visit to the United Kingdom.