John Henry Newman

The Vatican has approved the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, the English convert and theologian who has had immense influence upon English-speaking Catholicism. At his beatification ceremony later this year, John Henry Newman will receive the title “Blessed.” He will need one more recognized miracle to be canonized.

That is enough for me. The important words for me are "The Vatican has approved" So a cause for great rejoicing you would think? Yes indeed, but not in all catholic blogs.

Accusations of not much of a cultus following, questioning his influence upon Catholic life and piety, very objectionable and frankly false claims about his lack of smiling and friendliness and suggestion's about inappropriate close male friendships (Written by people who you would expect better of!) Why this negative reaction when "The Vatican has approved his beatification" Who are we to cast slurs after such extensive investigations have taken place by more informed people?

Not much of a cultus? Well what about Praise to the holiest in the heights? Lead kindly light? these influence the popular perception of Catholics surely? Newman's Poem "The dream of Gerontius" what a wonderful exploration of Purgatory and the soul, very much making it part of Catholic consciousness. And great prayers such as:

God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission - I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good, I shall do His work; I shall be a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it, if I do but keep His commandments and serve Him in my calling. Therefore, my God, I will put myself without reserve into your hands. What have I in heaven, and apart from you what do I want upon earth? My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the God of my heart, and my portion forever.

May God support us all the day long
till the shadows lengthen
and the evening comes
and the busy world is hushed
and the fever of life is over
and our work is done -
then in mercy -
may God give us a safe lodging
and a holy rest
and peace at the last.

These and more prayers and writings have influenced popular catholic piety and continue to do so. No popular Cultus....... what about these English saints what do we know about their "Cultus"

· Saint Keyne
· Saint Endelienta
· Erbin of Dumnonia
· Saint Piran
· Polydore Plasden
· Saint Ursula
· Saint Veep
· Saint Sanctan
· Ralph Sherwin

As for hints about his sexuality and his personality what a disgraceful slur to make (One blogger also says that Hurricane Katrina was sent by God as punishment for immoral behaviour in the city! Quite frankly a disgusting viewpoint. His suggestion of an inappropriate friendship can be dismissed just like his Hurricane theories))

Cardinal John Henry Newman is to be beatified the church has said so. I for one am delighted.