Who is Cardinal Newman?

When I was an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota, I would often go to the Newman Center for Mass. I  would often wonder why it was called a Newman Center since it is a non-traditional way to name a Catholic building or church. Being the young man I was, I didn't even think twice of running a search on the internet for the origins of this name. Little did I know then that I would someday be traveling to England to study the works and life of the man whose name we honor on most universities throughout this country. 

John Henry Newman lived for much of the 19th Century in England. He grew up as a non-Catholic and was ordained an Anglican priest at the age of 24. He was a prominent clergyman in his day, so it shocked the country when he decided to convert to Catholicism at the age of 44. Newman was named a Cardinal of the Church later on in his life.

He wrote extensively both before and after his conversion. Some people are even speculating that he may even be named a Doctor of the Church in the future. Newman was beatified in 2010 during a Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI. 

There is so much more to learn and say about this man, but I will leave you all with this excerpt from a poem Newman wrote:

"Praise to the Holiest in the height
And in the depth be praise;
In all his words most wonderful,
Most sure in all his ways!" 

-T.J. McKenzie