John Henry Cardinal Newman 21st February 1801 - 11th August 1890

Today, 11th August, is the anniversary of the death of John Henry Cardinal Newman in 1890.

This great Englishman, whose own life was filled with turmoil, deprivation and loneliness but also with the love, power and guidance of God, will be horrified to see what has been happening in the country he loved and to the city of Birmingham that he served so faithfully for many years.

Today, more than ever, we should follow the example of Blessed John Henry Newman in caring and praying for each other rather than self, and pray for those who have been affected by and caused recent events in his beloved city and country.

The picture above is from the book Blessed John Henry Newman: Heart Speaks to Heart written by Fr Daniel Seward of the Birmingham Oratory and illustrated by Susan Bateman. We cannot but hope that the "kindly light" that guided Newman throughout his life and at the time of his death will now guide and protect us all at this time.

Fr Seward’s book can be purchased here, as can other books on Cardinal Newman published by ST PAULS, including:

Blessed John Henry Newman by Michael Rear

Out of the Shadows: A workbook on the life of Blessed John Henry Newman

A John Henry Newman Prayer Book

Blessed John Henry Newman, pray for us.