Pope Leo XIV Proclaims Newman Doctor of the Church: A Beacon of a New Generation

Newman, Doctor of the Church and patron of education

Pope Leo XIV recognized St. John Henry Newman as an expert in the field of "theory and practice of education," and asked us to share the 'Kindly Light' of faith in Providence—as portrayed in his famous poem—so we might provide "light and guidance" in these times of great injustice and uncertainty, as well as to "counteract the misled rationales for resignation and defeat," to those who may be feeling lost or lacking in hope during this new global experience. He told all of the many faithful participants—particularly students and educators—present in St. Peter's Square for the Mass, that it is the responsibility of both educators and students "to ensure that schools/universities and all forms of education (including informal or community-based) are gateways to a culture of dialogue and peace." And it is here at the heart of the mission of educating that we find real people.

At the heart of education are authentic individuals

During the Mass in the square illuminated by sunshine and with attendance by the official delegation from the Church of England (Archbishop Stephen Cottrell leading), the Holy Father, in his homily, reflected about how Cardinal John Henry Newman was recently named a Doctor of the Church, the 38th one! Cardinal Newman's writings (Meditations and Devotions) are full of wisdom about “the ‘mystery’ of the dignity of every person, and the diversity of God’s gifts to people.” The Holy Father added that when one is aware that he or she is called by God (i.e., to have a ‘mission’), he or she will come to understand the meaning of life in this manner: “Our lives are meant to be for something greater than ourselves.” He also stressed that the contributions of each person are special; it is the responsibility of educational institutions to help those institutions value each individual’s contributions.

The essence of education is made up of real people, not abstract things. Real people can look to be doing poorly according to the standards set by economic systems, as they don't treat everyone equally or fairly and can cause some people to be left behind or hurt. The purpose of our work is to develop people to be as bright and dignified as stars.

“[As we engage in educational practice, we are not engaged in the education of abstract beings; we are actually working with real people who might be regarded as being low-achievers according to economic systems that have caused them to be marginalised or harmed. Therefore, we strive to develop them as people who shine like stars in all their dignity.]”

Newman's inspiration for future generations

Cardinal Newman has provided inspiration to people for many generations. In his opening remarks in his homily, Pope Leo XIV announced that St. John Henry Newman will serve as one of the co-patrons of the Church's educational missions alongside St. Thomas Aquinas.

The great worth of Cardinal Newman lies in his historical and present-day importance to those pursuing spirituality and culture. Newman's legacy will inspire future generations who desire a relationship with God and will go through the stage of exploring and experiencing God; as the ancients say, through that struggle, they will become stars.

The pursuit of truth through learning and serving others

The Holy Father expresses similar ideas in his Apostolic Exhortation #DilexiTe as St. Paul expresses in Philippi, to "sparkle like stars in the universe" (Phil 2:15).

When you exhibit your genuine desire to find truth in others' lives (through your witness of God's love) you will be "Radiating today as stars scattered throughout the universe." One way you can accomplish this is through serving those youth who come from low-income families on a daily basis, as well as demonstrating that "Christian love" can "perform many miracles" by performing acts of service and kindness to the less fortunate.

The fact that you are a Person of Faith and also serve Youth at Risk in your work, is a testament to your deliberate and intentional Dedication to Pursuing Truth (Your Witness of God’s Truth is to Love Like Jesus). Your service to Youth provides them with an opportunity to experience and receive a Testimony that Honours (“Miracle”) God.

Higher education institutions as places of visionary foresight

As noted by Pope Leo, education is "an essential seed" of hope; therefore the Jubilee, which is seen as a Pilgrimage of hope, has an educational significance.

"When reflecting on educational institutions, I see them as insights being contemplated by educators regarding the way in which they develop their curriculum and how students learn. The entire process revolves around educators having enough foresight to prepare their students by answering the following critical questions: What are the goals of my curriculum? What knowledge will the students require to achieve those goals? What resources will I provide my students to assist them in achieving those goals?"

Educational institutions as environments for embracing the Gospel

In regard to the Beatitudes found in the book of Matthew (the Gospel of Matthew), Pope Francis called them "the way and message of Christ the teacher." He pointed out that Jesus did not see things like we do but instead saw as blessed the poor, those who want justice, those who are persecuted and the peacemakers. Pope Francis declared that these people are representatives of the Kingdom of God, which is represented by the saints who are alive or dead to us and live with us today.

Inserted text: "We are His followers studying at His school, learning to discover new horizons of understanding from His life and His experience, thus enlightening all sources of knowledge. Schools and universities should always be a place to listen to the Gospel and put its teachings into action!"

"As followers of Christ, we are also members of his 'school' or community and enable to learn about an entire scope of meaning in his life and how he has brought this to light through all types of knowledge. May these places, including both schools and universities, always be places where we can engage with Christ's message and apply it in our everyday life!"

Pope Francis said, “There are constant challenges facing humanity which can seem insurmountable”, yet Leo XIV encouraged humanity to be strong in facing these challenges with hope, despite the difficulties involved in overcoming them.

“We need to work together to free humanity from the all-encompassing gloom of nihilism, probably the most dangerous condition in today's society because it threatens to take away our ability to have a future.”

Steered by the "Kindly Light"

This dark moment brings to mind Cardinal Newman's hymn "Lead, Kindly Light," composed when he was an Anglican minister and sung in the Offertory service, which illuminates our path when we don't know the way forward. The Pope has explained that one of the key roles of education is to provide individuals who are entrapped in “the shadows of negativity and doubt,” with that Kindly Light.

This beautiful prayer tells us that while we are far away from our true home, we are unsure on which path we need to tread. Nevertheless, all of this does not deter us, as we have found our guide: "Guide me kindly, O Light, through the darkness surrounding me." "Guide me kindly, O Light; for I am a long way from home and it is dark; guide me."

The prayer reveals to us how far from home we are, how lost we feel, and what obstacles exist in obtaining clarity about where we need to go. Even with these challenges, we are not without direction, as we have found our Guide. 'Lead, Kindly Light, amid th'encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on;' 'Lead, Kindly Light, The night is dark, and I am far from home, Lead Thou me on.'”

The pursuit of holiness in Catholic education

The Pope ended his homily by emphasizing that “education is helpful for all human beings in the pursuit of becoming saints from our perspective as Christians. Anything less would not do.” He referenced Pope Benedict XVI’s words to young people when Newman was beatified in England in 2010 saying that, “What God desires for each of you is to attain holiness. He loves you more than you could possibly ever know.” This, Leo XIV confirmed, is the message of the universal call to holiness, which is the central theme of the Second Vatican Council, “is a shared and individual journey in accordance with the Beatitudes.”

My ambition for Catholic education is to help everyone in finding their distinct routes to holiness. As St. Augustine (whom St. John Henry Newman revered) stated: 'We're all learners together from the one Teacher, whose classroom is on earth and throne is in heaven.'

"It is my prayer that each person assisted by Catholic education will learn to discover how to uncover and develop their own path to holiness. Saint Augustine, who is regarded highly by Saint John Henry Newman, wrote: all humans are students of one Teacher and have been placed on this earth to learn from His lessons on the way to eternal life."