Saint John Henry Newman will be declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIV on All Saints Day, November 1, 2025, writes Michael Andrews, Chancellor of the Diocese of Lansing, pictured below, October 9.
Newman remains one of the most influential Catholic thinkers of the 19th century. From the early stirrings of his faith as a young man, he was led by the “kindly light” of truth, first as an Anglican cleric and leader in the Oxford Movement, and ultimately as a Catholic. In fact, his feast day, October 9, marks the anniversary of his reception into full communion with the Catholic Church on October 9, 1845.
As a Catholic priest, theologian, and cardinal, Newman illuminated the path of faith for countless souls. Having faced the loss of friendship, career, and reputation after becoming Catholic, he penned his autobiographical “Apologia Pro Vita Sua” (1864) in response to these attacks. With its sincere, measured, and scholarly tone, he opened a pathway for non-Catholics to perceive Catholic claims to be eminently reasonable and held in good conscience. At the same time, he afforded Catholics valuable insight into non-Catholic perspectives. Newman was a champion of the harmony of faith and reason, had a tremendous capacity for friendship, and lived his vocation with humility and integrity, drawing others to the truth though his example, intellect, and deep personal holiness.
In continuity with his legacy, Newman Centers have been established worldwide to support Catholic students in their faith while attending non-Catholic universities and colleges. The first Newman Center was established in the United States at the University of Pennsylvania in 1893 – only three years after Newman’s death.
The pursuit of holiness and truth were the driving force of Newman’s life. Fittingly, Newman’s recognition as a Doctor of the Church will fall on All Saints Day, a celebration of the universal call to holiness – a truth Newman fervently believed. He taught that every person has a unique vocation from God, writing: “God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another…He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work.”
May this great model of Christian life and virtue intercede for us in heaven.
