Officially declared Doctor of the Church this morning
You’ve heard a lot from me during this glorious week. And now, as of this morning, we officially have a new Doctor of the Church—just two days after naming him Patron of Catholic Education! Ora pro nobis, St. John Henry Cardinal Newman!
Today, my wife Rosario and I joined thousands of Catholics at All Saints Mass in St. Peter’s Square, celebrated by Pope Leo XIV. And I prayed for you and all supporters of The Cardinal Newman Society and Newman Guide Recommended education.
The entire Mass was beautiful and reverent!
The schola sang the hymn “Lead, Kindly Light,” with lyrics written by Newman at a time when his commitment to Christian paideia—the complete formation of students in intellect, faith, morals, and community—was severely tested at Oxford University.
Although fired from his tutor position, Newman never abandoned hope and instead became the world-renowned visionary for faithful Catholic education—now exalted by his status as the 38th Doctor of the Church.
For The Cardinal Newman Society, “Lead, Kindly Light” inspires our continued efforts to reform Catholic education and expand Newman Guide Recommended education, always trusting in God’s Providence.
“I do not ask to see the distant scene—one step enough for me.”
After the penitential rite, Pope Leo XIV stood and declared:
“We, having obtained the opinions of numerous Brothers in the Episcopate and of many of Christ’s Faithful throughout the world, having consulted the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, after mature deliberation and with certain knowledge, and by the fullness of the apostolic power, declare Saint John Henry Newman Doctor of the Universal Church. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
The schola began chanting “Alleluia” and quoted from the Book of Sirach, “Peoples will declare the wisdom of the Saints, and the Church proclaims their praises.”
Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, responded: “Most Holy Father, in the name of Holy Church, I thank Your Holiness for having today proclaimed Saint John Henry Newman ‘Doctor of the Universal Church.’”
Then, with all the joy of the angels, the huge crowd belted out the “Gloria.”
Gloria in excelsis Deo,
et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis!
Laudamus te,
benedicimus te,
adoramus te,
glorificamus te,
gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam!
All praise and honor and glory to God, whose servant St. John Henry Cardinal Newman was a living witness and now eternal witness to the importance of Catholic education in fidelity and truth.
Yours in Christ,
Patrick Reilly
Founder and President
The Cardinal Newman Society