Blessed John Henry Newman

Only after four years of prayer and of his study of the development of doctrine, did Newman find his way clear to enter the Catholic Church. Founder of the Oratories, of a school, and a university in Ireland, his views on the laity, papal infallibility, education, and conscience led to misunderstanding, until, at the age of 78, he was made a Cardinal. A century later he was called an 'unseen presence' at the Second Vatican Council, and revered for his holiness. His prediction of the secular society, in which Religion, 'is a private luxury, which a man may have if he will; but which... he must not obtrude upon others, or indulge in to their annoyance', has a very contemporary feel.

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