John Henry Newman has long been seen to be one of the great figures of Victorian England, for his writings, for his influence of the reform of the Church of England, and for his later life as a Catholic priest and Cardinal. As a theologian he has influenced many thinkers and Christian leaders in the years since his death. Some have suggested that his thinking was a hidden but powerful influence on the Second Vatican Council.

He was beatified, ( declared Blessed in recognition of sanctity), by Pope Benedict XV at Birmingham on the 19^th of September 2010. Newman is exceptional for many reasons: his scholarship, especially his study of the early Church Fathers which eventually led him into the Catholic Church; his writing and preaching as part of the Tractarian Movement in the Church of England; his commitment to Education, from his Idea of a University to his schools n Birmingham; his bringing the Oratory movement of St Philip Neri to England with foundations in Birmingham and London; finally his life a parish priest of great spirituality among the poor of industrial Birmingham in the second half of the 19th century. We have adopted one of his prayers, about the definite service or mission entrusted to each of us, as the Prayer for our Parish.

If you'd like to learn more about our Parish's Patron saint we have a longer Biography of The Bl. John Henry Newman here.