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New Book

HOLINESS IN A SECULAR AGE,
THE WITNESS OF CARDINAL NEWMAN

Cardinal Newman, the great English convert to Catholicism, has much to teach us about holiness in a secular age. The book was released on July 6, 2017 by Scepter Publishers.

“Father Velez illumined Newman’s life in the biography Passion for Truth, and now he does the same for Newman’s thought. Newman can be a challenging read, and this book provides the introduction that many people need — an open window on Newman’s theology and spirituality.”
– Scott Hahn, theologian and author

“Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman has been a powerful influence in my life as a bishop, and as a Catholic in pursuit of holiness. Cardinal Newman: A Saint for our Times demonstrates that Newman’s wisdom can help all Catholics to know, love, and serve the Lord amid the challenges of the modern world. The book offers some of Newman’s best insights, and helps to apply them to the Church, and the world, today.”
– Most Rev. James D. Conley, DD, Bishop of Lincoln, Nebraska

Purchase from Scepter Publishers
Download Study Guide (pdf)

Kresta in the Afternoon (October 9, 2017) The Witness of Cardinal Newman (2 segments)
Mark Curran, WFSI 88.5 FM Catholic Radio - Fr. Juan Velez interviewed about new book
Dan Cheely Show, Relevant Radio (June 24, 2017) Fr. Juan interview about new book

Recent Blog Posts

  • The Gospel Palaces
    Fr. Juan Velez
    April 21, 2018
    It is fitting that church buildings are magnificent and beautiful because they are symbols of Jesus Christ who is the same yesterday and today and for ever.
    April 21, 2018
  • The Temples of the Holy Ghost
    David Warren
    April 15, 2018
    What does it mean to be a temple of the Holy Ghost? Blessed Newman teaches us the great dignity of our bodies as he meditates on the Resurrection of our Lord.
    April 15, 2018
  • Hope of Heaven
    Prof. Barb H. Wyman
    April 8, 2018
    The reality of Christ's resurrection, like the bow set in the sky by God after the great flood, gives hope, even amidst sorrow or sadness.
    April 8, 2018
  • Rising with Christ
    David Warren
    March 31, 2018
    On this Holy Saturday we await our Lord’s resurrection. We too wish to rise with Him. To do so, we must have an inner life hidden with Him.
    March 31, 2018
  • The Cross of Christ the Measure of the World
    Fr. Juan Velez
    March 25, 2018
    The Cross of Christ is the measure of the world. Its meaning lies hidden beneath the surface of things. Through it Christ triumphs and give us new life.
    March 25, 2018
  • Fallen Man and Conversion - Thackeray and Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    March 20, 2018
    Both Thackeray and Dickens have a mistaken vision of man; Cardinal Newman presents us instead with a realistic vision of fallen man in need of God's grace and of life in Christ.
    March 20, 2018
  • Knowledge Better than Confusion
    Bob Lozano
    March 15, 2018
    The need for sound knowledge of the faith, and how Blessed Newman is a good guide
    March 15, 2018
  • My Birthday: Part 2
    Prof. Barb H. Wyman
    March 11, 2018
    In the second half of the poem, “My Birthday,” Blessed John Henry Newman continues to relate how worldly people celebrate birthdays in contrast to how he wishes to mark his day.
    March 11, 2018
  • My Birthday
    Prof. Barb H. Wyman
    March 3, 2018
    In his Birthday poem, Blessed John Henry Newman considers how a life should be spent, reminding us to beware the vanities of the world.
    March 3, 2018
  • Weapons of the Saints: The Last Shall be First
    David Warren
    February 24, 2018
    The weapons of the saints are weakness, poverty, dishonor, sacrifice. By these we too can conquer the world through love.
    February 24, 2018
  • Weapons of the Saints: Turning the World Upside Down
    David Warren
    February 18, 2018
    The weapons of the saints contrast the ways of the world. By humility, poverty, and weakness they have turned the world upside down and introduced a new order.
    February 18, 2018
  • Candlemas
    Prof. Barb H. Wyman
    February 10, 2018
    Newman reflects how light and Candlemas show Christ to be the light of the world.
    February 10, 2018
  • Life, the Season of Repentance
    Fr. Juan Velez
    February 3, 2018
    We cannot sell our birthright as Adam and Esau did. Lent is a time of repentance of past sins, a time of self-denial and growth in charity.
    February 3, 2018
  • Are You a Consistent Christian?
    David Warren
    January 27, 2018
    What separates consistent Christians from nominal Christians? Blessed John Henry Newman explains how sincerity is the mark of the consistent Christian, while the nominal Christian has a double mind.
    January 27, 2018
  • England, Newman's Admonition
    Prof. Barb H. Wyman
    January 21, 2018
    Newman warned England to repent from its pride and rejection of God. In his verses he opened lines with stressed syllables to emphasize his point.
    January 21, 2018
  • The End of the Law
    David Warren
    January 13, 2018
    How is Christ the end of the law, and where do we stand in relationship to the Law? Blessed Newman sorts out the meaning of St. Paul's words in Romans 10:4.
    January 13, 2018
  • Epiphany-Eve: A Birthday Offering
    Prof. Barb H. Wyman
    January 5, 2018
    Newman sees the meaning of his sister's death as drawing those she left behind into that invisible world, likening it to the star which guided the magi.
    January 5, 2018
  • The New Year and Educating Children
    Fr. Juan Velez
    December 30, 2017
    Blessed Cardinal Newman encouraged parents to be the primary educators of their children, and to form their minds and hearts.
    December 30, 2017
  • Mystery of Godliness
    Fr. Juan Velez
    December 24, 2017
    By taking on a human nature the Son of God raised us to become God's adopted children and partakers of divine nature.
    December 24, 2017
  • Preparing for Christ
    Prof. Barb H. Wyman
    December 17, 2017
    Blessed Newman's poem, "Advent-Lauds," is a translation of a fifth century hymn that can help us prepare for the coming of our Lord.
    December 17, 2017
  • Why Christians Misunderstand Devotion to Mary
    Fr. Juan Velez
    December 9, 2017
    http://www.cardinaljohnhenrynewman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Why-Christians-Misunderstand-Devotion-to-Mary.mp3 Many Christians think that devotion to Mary is the same as worship given to God, ...
    December 9, 2017
  • When Should We Pray?
    David Warren
    December 8, 2017
    Private prayer is vital, but how often should we pray? Do we need set times of prayer? Here Blessed Newman answers the what, why, and how of private prayer.
    December 8, 2017
  • The Elements
    Prof. Barb H. Wyman
    November 21, 2017
    Newman teaches that faith and reason at the service of God brings man to a deeper appreciation of the complexity of the created world
    November 21, 2017
  • What We Need to Know
    David Warren
    November 13, 2017
    The mysteries of life and faith leave us with many questions, but they do not leave us without direction. In fact, they lead us to our Lord.
    November 13, 2017
  • Meditation and Study of the Scriptures
    Fr. Juan Velez
    November 9, 2017
    Blessed Newman studied and meditated the Bible. In his sermons he quoted the Scriptures often and explained them to his listeners.
    November 9, 2017
  • Faith against Sight
    Prof. Barb H. Wyman
    October 28, 2017
    We are called by Newman to scatter wide the seed of the truth of the gospel, living in the world which just like from days of old forgets God.
    October 28, 2017
  • The World Our Enemy: Part 2
    David Warren
    October 22, 2017
    The world is our enemy, but who is of the world and what can we do about them?
    October 22, 2017
  • The World Our Enemy: Part 1
    David Warren
    October 13, 2017
    What is the meaning of "the world" and how should we relate to it?
    October 13, 2017
  • Newman on Friendship
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 7, 2017
    John Henry Newman reminds us of the need for friendship, and that it is based on common interests, grows gradually, requires virtue - especially charity.
    October 7, 2017
  • Consolation
    Prof. Barb H. Wyman
    September 30, 2017
    True consolation comes from the knowledge that Christ is ever with us.
    September 30, 2017
  • Keep Death Before Your Eyes: Part 2
    David Warren
    September 22, 2017
    Have we thought about our own death recently? If not, Blessed Newman's sermon "The Lapse of Time" may be the wake up call we need to hear.
    September 22, 2017
  • Learning to Read God's Signs
    Fr. John Henry Hanson, O.Praem.
    September 16, 2017
    Faith generates in us this uncomfortable, restless longing for God—and He wants us to want Him in this way, to learn to listen to Him.
    September 16, 2017
  • Keep Death Before Your Eyes: Part 1
    David Warren
    September 8, 2017
    No one likes to think about his own death. But with sober reflection on it, we may learn how to live.
    September 8, 2017
  • Transfiguration
    Prof. Barb H. Wyman
    August 18, 2017
    For Newman, God wishes to transform us so that the “the beauty of holiness” may shine through us to others.
    August 18, 2017
  • The Sign of the Cross
    Prof. Barb H. Wyman
    August 12, 2017
    Newman reminds us of the power of the Cross which opens us to the invisible world and God's grace.
    August 12, 2017
  • Inward Witness to the Truth of the Gospel: Part 2
    David Warren
    August 6, 2017
    Why do some fall in the face of doubt while others persist? In Part 2 of this series we learn of the confidence that comes from inward belief.
    August 6, 2017
  • Inward Witness to the Truth of the Gospel: Part 1
    David Warren
    July 29, 2017
    We can know the truth, but how do we come to know it? Why do some find the truth and others don't?
    July 29, 2017
  • Solitude
    Prof. Barb H. Wyman
    July 22, 2017
    In the poem “Solitude,” John Henry Newman reminds us of the importance of silent time alone with God.
    July 22, 2017
  • Snapdragon
    Prof. Barb H. Wyman
    July 8, 2017
    Newman intrigues us with a riddle in his "Snapdragon: a Riddle for a Flower Book". Reading his poetry carefully we discover more about him as a person.
    July 8, 2017
  • Warfare the Condition of Victory
    Fr. Juan Velez
    June 24, 2017
    Christ ascends to heaven after his death and resurrection. The Christian knows that the Cross is the path to heaven, warfare the condition of victory.
    June 24, 2017
  • Who do we Proclaim? Part 2
    David Warren
    June 18, 2017
    God is the deepest subject of reflection, and to try to understand Him strains our minds. Yet we are called to press on in reflecting on the Trinity of God.
    June 18, 2017
  • Who do we Proclaim? Part 1
    David Warren
    June 10, 2017
    The mystery of the Trinity is beyond our understanding. But we are called to reflect on it, and Newman is a wise guide for the path of our reflection.
    June 10, 2017
  • The Way to Heaven
    Fr. Juan Velez
    June 1, 2017
    Blessed Newman replies to the question: What is Heaven? And teaches us that Jesus who ascended to Heaven is the only path to Heaven.
    June 1, 2017
  • What is the meaning of the Ascension of Christ?
    Fr. Juan Velez
    May 25, 2017
    Jesus ascends to heaven and is glorified. Now he is even closer to us because he is not only in one particular location.
    May 25, 2017
  • What Must I Do to Be Saved? Part 2
    David Warren
    May 20, 2017
    The title of this reflection is the essential question every man and woman needs to ask. In Part 1 of this series, we looked at Blessed Newman’s sermon, “Faith, the Title for our Justification,”...
    May 20, 2017
  • What Must I Do to be Saved? Part 1
    David Warren
    May 13, 2017
    Faith is necessary for salvation. In this sermon, Blessed Newman asks whether it is all one needs.
    May 13, 2017
  • Holiness in a Secular Age: the Witness of Cardinal Newman
    Godwin Delali Adadzie
    May 12, 2017
    HOLINESS IN A SECULAR AGE, THE WITNESS OF CARDINAL NEWMAN ABOUT BOOK In Holiness in a Secular Age: the Witness of Cardinal Newman, a reader will find how John Henry Newman, an intelligent and ...
    May 12, 2017
  • The Spiritual Presence of Christ in the Church
    Fr. Juan Velez
    April 29, 2017
    Before his Passion and Death Jesus told the disciples that "A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father." John xvi. 16. How i...
    April 29, 2017
  • Jesus, our Daily Sacrifice
    David Warren
    April 14, 2017
    Jesus offers himself completely to be with us in the daily sacrifice of the Mass.
    April 14, 2017
  • Jesus, Son of Mary
    Fr. Juan Velez
    April 14, 2017
    Jesus loved and honored his mother, and teaches us likewise to love our family members, friends and acquaintances.
    April 14, 2017
  • Jesus, our Guide and Guardian
    David Warren
    April 8, 2017
    The unsparing, tender love of Jesus will dispel all doubts and strengthen our hearts to trust in Him.
    April 8, 2017
  • Jesus, the Lover of Souls
    Fr. Juan Velez
    April 2, 2017
    Jesus, who became incarnate and suffered and died to redeem us, is the Lover of souls.
    April 2, 2017
  • Jesus the Beginning of Creation
    David Warren
    April 1, 2017
    We can return to God because he has offered us a new beginning in Christ.
    April 1, 2017
  • Jesus, the Eternal King
    Fr. Juan Velez
    March 25, 2017
    Jesus established a spiritual kingdom on earth and entrusted the spiritual authority over this kingdom to the pope and bishops.
    March 25, 2017
  • Jesus Only Begotten Son
    David Warren
    March 24, 2017
    The unity God desires for his Church he models in his divinity and his humanity.
    March 24, 2017
  • Jesus, Lord of Armies
    Fr. Juan Velez
    March 18, 2017
    Jesus is, in the words of the Apocalypse, the Captain of God's hosts or Lord of Armies. He leads us in our spiritual combat against the forces of evil.
    March 18, 2017
  • Jesus the Author and Finisher of Faith
    David Warren
    March 11, 2017
    Faith is not only necessary for reaching God, this gift is the first step toward him.
    March 11, 2017
  • The Lord of Grace
    David Warren
    March 4, 2017
    It is an awful thought to think that God rejects those who reject him, but the truth is that in mercy he invites us to repent.
    March 4, 2017
  • Fasting, A Source of Trial
    Fr. Juan Velez
    March 2, 2017
    By fasting we imitate Christ's self-denial, and grow in love for him. And with faith and humility we overcome the temptations of the devil.
    March 2, 2017
  • Jesus, Son of David
    Fr. Juan Velez
    February 25, 2017
    Jesus the Son of David, descended from King David to whom God had promised a descendant who would reign forever.
    February 25, 2017
  • Newman's Reflection and Prayer to the Lamb of God
    Fr. Juan Velez
    February 18, 2017
    Jesus is the Lamb of God prefigured in the Jewish passover lamb, and later by the prophet Isaiah as the One who was wounded for our sins.
    February 18, 2017
  • The Dream of Gerontius, Conclusion
    Fr. Juan Velez
    February 11, 2017
    The following is a summary of John Henry Newman's famous poem on Last Things and God's mercy.
    February 11, 2017
  • The Dream of Gerontius, Part 10
    Fr. Juan Velez
    February 4, 2017
    At last Gerontius’ soul traverses the threshold of God’s throne.
    February 4, 2017
  • The Dream of Gerontius, Part 9
    Fr. Juan Velez
    January 28, 2017
    The soul sees Christ's suffering and feels great sorrow.
    January 28, 2017
  • The Dream of Gerontius, Part 8
    Fr. Juan Velez
    January 20, 2017
    The Dream of Gerontius reaches its high point with choirs of angels singing the praise of God and recounting the history of salvation.
    January 20, 2017
  • The Dream of Gerontius, Part 7
    Fr. Juan Velez
    January 7, 2017
    The angel explains to the soul of Gerontius that the very sight of God will gladden the just soul immensely while it purifies it.
    January 7, 2017
  • The Dream of Gerontius, Part 6
    Fr. Juan Velez
    December 31, 2016
    Demons tempt the human soul but they are impotent in causing it to do evil. The soul must endure these temptations and repeatedly turn to God.
    December 31, 2016
  • The Dream of Gerontius, Part 5
    Fr. Juan Velez
    December 18, 2016
    In the dialogue between the soul and the angel we learn about the particular judgment and how to prepare to meet Christ by living as God's children.
    December 18, 2016
  • The Dream of Gerontius, Part 4
    Fr. Juan Velez
    December 10, 2016
    Each guardian angel created ages ago by God has been given a human being to care for and to guide on his way to heaven.
    December 10, 2016
  • The Dream of Gerontius, Part 3
    Fr. Juan Velez
    December 3, 2016
    Newman imagines the soul of Gerontius outside the limits of time and space in the life hereafter, and how its Guardian Angels comes to lead it to Christ.
    December 3, 2016
  • The Dream of Gerontius, Part 2
    Fr. Juan Velez
    November 26, 2016
    Gerontius' friends pray for their dying friend. He experiences fear at the closeness of death and the thought of the Devil, but is strengthened by a priest.
    November 26, 2016
  • Dream of Gerontius, Part 1
    Fr. Juan Velez
    November 19, 2016
    The Dream of Gerontius is a poem about the experience of man who is dying, his request for prayers, and the help of his angel as he goes to his judgment.
    November 19, 2016
  • Backwards to Heaven
    Fr. John Henry Hanson, O.Praem.
    November 19, 2016
    As God's children we advance to the truth by experience of error; we succeed through failures. We seem to be walking to heaven backwards but indeed advance.
    November 19, 2016
  • Sins of Ignorance and Weakness, Part 4
    Fr. Juan Velez
    November 11, 2016
    Newman urges Christians to repent but as an Anglican he did not know that the ordinary means of forgiveness of sins after Baptism is sacramental Confession.
    November 11, 2016
  • Sins of Ignorance and Weakness, Part 3
    Fr. Juan Velez
    November 4, 2016
    Through Baptism man has a new birth. Although he suffers the consequences of original sin, he receives the grace of the Holy Spirit to live as God's son.
    November 4, 2016
  • Sins of Ignorance and Weakness, Part 2
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 28, 2016
    As God's children we advance to the truth by experience of error; we succeed through failures. We seem to be walking to heaven backwards but indeed advance.
    October 28, 2016
  • Sins of Ignorance and Weakness, Part 1
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 22, 2016
    As sinful men and women we have a need to be cleansed and renewed often. We are not forgiven once and for all.
    October 22, 2016
  • Newman: Patron of Adult Faith Formation
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 16, 2016
    Adult Catholics have many questions such as: What is the Church’s doctrine on communion for married Catholics who after a civil divorce have entered into a second union? Is Jesus truly present in th...
    October 16, 2016
  • The Spiritual Mind, Part 3
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 16, 2016
    Newman asserts that to be a Christian calls for more than honesty, justice and temperance; it means to seek Christian perfection in Christ's footsteps. http://www.cardinaljohnhenrynewman.com/wp-con...
    October 16, 2016
  • The Spiritual Mind, Part 2
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 8, 2016
    The Spiritual Mind, Part 2 by Fr. Juan Vélez The Christian should act out of the good habit of loving God, rather than out of fear of sinning, even though the latter may at first play a part in h...
    October 8, 2016
  • The Spiritual Mind, Part 1
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 2, 2016
    The Spiritual Mind, Part 1 by Fr. Juan Vélez Blessed Newman teaches that a Christian must examine the motives for his thoughts and actions, and must learn to master his heart, doing things for th...
    October 2, 2016
  • Self-Denial, the True Test of Religious Earnestness, Part 3
    Fr. Juan Velez
    September 24, 2016
    Self-Denial, the Test of Religious Earnestness, Part 3 by Fr. Juan Vélez Jesus bids us to take up our cross daily. We must be careful, however, of the danger of self-deception by doing things for...
    September 24, 2016
  • Self-Denial, the Test of Religious Earnestness, Part 2
    Fr. Juan Velez
    September 17, 2016
    Self-Denial, the Test of Religious Earnestness, Part 2 by Fr. Juan Vélez Jesus bids us to take up our cross daily. We must careful, however, of the danger of self-deception by doing things for ou...
    September 17, 2016
  • Self-Denial, the Test of Religious Earnestness, Part 1
    Fr. Juan Velez
    September 10, 2016
    Self-Denial, the Test of Religious Earnestness, Part 1 by Fr. Juan Vélez John Henry Newman explains that the test of the true practice of religion is self-denial. Without the latter a person make...
    September 10, 2016
  • A Teenager, Mother Teresa and Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    September 4, 2016
    A Teenager, Mother Teresa and Cardinal Newman I saw the saint (Mother Teresa) on three occasions. No, not Mother Teresa of Avila, but another giant like her. The encounters if one could call them s...
    September 4, 2016
  • Secret Faults (Part 3)
    Fr. Juan Velez
    September 3, 2016
    Secret Faults (Part 3) - by Fr. Juan Vélez Most people rationalize their defects and sins and become used to them. John Henry Newma...
    September 3, 2016
  • Secret Faults (Part 2)
    Fr. Juan Velez
    August 27, 2016
    Secret Faults (Part 2) - by Fr. Juan Vélez Our secret faults are often revealed to us when we are tested. We need humility and the ...
    August 27, 2016
  • Secret Faults (Part 1)
    Fr. Juan Velez
    August 21, 2016
    Secret Faults (Part 1) - by Fr. Juan Vélez Most people have little self-knowledge, and because of this have a poor understanding of...
    August 21, 2016
  • St. Paul on our Human Nature
    Fr. Juan Velez
    August 7, 2016
    World news in today's age travels with such speed that we are aware at once of wars, cruelty, famine and other human disasters. We must pay attention, pray, and in our own measure do what we can to al...
    August 7, 2016
  • Christ speaks to the Youth of the World
    Fr. Juan Velez
    July 31, 2016
    Christ Speaks to the Youth of the World Gathered in Krakow with a million and a half youth from all over the world Pope Francis told them that they were like the disciples at Pentecost. The dis...
    July 31, 2016
  • Sermon 7. St. Paul's Characteristic Gift
    Fr. Juan Velez
    July 29, 2016
    Blessed Newman explains how St. Paul remembered his own weakness and sins, and taught that God will have mercy on the Jews to whom belong the patriarchs, the promises and the prophets. http://www.c...
    July 29, 2016
  • A Better Homeland
    Fr. John Henry Hanson, O.Praem.
    July 11, 2016
      A Better Homeland (cf. Hebrews 11:16) When prodigal children book passage for a far country, the last thing they want is a reminder about the likeliness of a U-turn. No ticket kiosk of...
    July 11, 2016
  • Sermon 6. Omnipotence in Bonds
    Fr. Juan Velez
    May 1, 2016
    The Creator is Omnipotent. He made the universe and all its creatures. Yet, he willed to become a prisoner in the womb of the Virgin. Later he allowed himself to be bound by cruel men in his Passion. ...
    May 1, 2016
  • Sermon 5. Dispositions for Faith
    Fr. Juan Velez
    April 10, 2016
    Conscience speaks to our hearts of an Unseen Lord, Governor and Judge, and leads us to "look out" for Him and his messages. It predisposes us to faith when He reveals himself to us. http://www.card...
    April 10, 2016
  • Ruled by Love
    Fr. John Henry Hanson, O.Praem.
    March 14, 2016
    Falling short in the most important area of Christian life, that of loving God and our neighbor for His sake, is enough of a daily stumbling block to merit Blessed John Henry Newman’s focus in a ser...
    March 14, 2016
  • Sermon 4. The Secret Power of Divine Grace
    Fr. Juan Velez
    March 12, 2016
    Blessed Newman expounds on how God's hidden grace works to extend the Church. Unlike the external instruments of the Church grace works invisibly from within.   http://www.cardinaljohnhenry...
    March 12, 2016
  • Recordings of Bl. Newman's Sermons
    Fr. Juan Velez
    February 27, 2016
    Recordings of Newman's Sermons SERMON 7. ST. PAUL'S CHARACTERISTIC: http://www.cardinaljohnhenrynewman.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Sermon-7-St.-Pauls-Characteristic-Gif...
    February 27, 2016
  • Recording of Bl. Newman's Sermons Preached on Various Occasions
    Fr. Juan Velez
    February 21, 2016
    On the eve of the anniversary of Blessed Cardinal Newman's birthday (February 21, 1801) we began a series of recordings of his Sermons Preached on Various Occasions. Sermon 1. Intellect, The Instr...
    February 21, 2016
  • "The Making of Men. The Idea and reality of Newman's university in Oxford and Dublin"
    Fr. Juan Velez
    February 6, 2016
    In the Fall 2015 issue of the Newman Studies Journal there is a review which I wrote on The 'Making of Men'. The Idea and reality of Newman's university in Oxford and Dublin, by Paul Shrimpton, Leom...
    February 6, 2016
  • Deacon Jack Sullivan's Cure
    Fr. Juan Velez
    January 21, 2016
    In the Gospels we see how Jesus had compassion for the sick and cured them. The cures reveal his compassion as well as his divinity. In our times God continues to work miracles through the intercessio...
    January 21, 2016
  • Saint John Neumann and Blessed John Henry Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    January 8, 2016
    Saint John Neumann and Blessed John Henry Newman Every year one or more friends kindly congratulate me on January 5th when the Church celebrates the liturgical memorial of St. John Neumann. They mi...
    January 8, 2016
  • The Mystery of Godliness
    Fr. Juan Velez
    December 24, 2015
    Tonight we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord. "The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us." The Incarnation is the great mystery that reveals God's wonderful love for mankind. In this sermon from ...
    December 24, 2015
  • Reverence, a Belief in God's Presence
    Fr. Juan Velez
    December 13, 2015
    We have very sadly gotten almost accustomed to saying God's name in vain or hearing others do so. There is little reverence in the way people dress and behave at church. There is a loss of the sense o...
    December 13, 2015
  • Worship, a Preparation for Christ's Coming
    Fr. Juan Velez
    November 29, 2015
    Blessed John Henry Newman helps us to begin the season of Advent with a sermon titled "Worship, a Preparation for Christ's Coming." He opens with the words of Scripture: "Thine eyes shall see th...
    November 29, 2015
  • The Praise of Men (continued)
    Fr. Juan Velez
    November 8, 2015
    In the sermon The Praise of Men, after indicating that ridicule is a powerful weapon used by the devil, Blessed John Henry Newman describes a case in which it is the cause of much pain: when a pers...
    November 8, 2015
  • The Wisdom of Youth
    Fr. John Henry Hanson, O.Praem.
    October 23, 2015
    The Wisdom of Youth by Fr. John Henry Hanson, O. Praem Blessed are they who give the flower of their days, and their strength of soul and body to Him; blessed are they who in their youth turn t...
    October 23, 2015
  • EWTN Interview with Deacon Jack Sullivan on Cure Obtained through Blessed Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 17, 2015
    Deacon Jack Sullivan received a miraculous cure from a severe spinal stenosis on August 15, 2001 after praying to Cardinal Newman. On July 3, 2009 Pope Benedict announced that this healing was a mirac...
    October 17, 2015
  • Cardinal Del Val's Defense of Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 10, 2015
    Blessed John Henry Newman's liturgical memorial is celebrated liturgically on October 9. For this occasion Stephen Bullivant, Senior Lecturer in Theology and Ethics at St Mary’s University, Twickenh...
    October 10, 2015
  • The Praise of Men
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 9, 2015
    The Saints are men and women whom the Church sets as standards for living holy lives as children of God. Today is the memorial or feast day of Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890), a renowned Anglica...
    October 9, 2015
  • Pope Francis' Visit to America
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 5, 2015
    From the earliest time of Christianity the pope, a term derived from the Greek word for "father," was regarded with great love and reverence by the faithful. The Pope is the Vicar of Christ and succes...
    October 5, 2015
  • Pope Francis Speaks to the Heart of the American People
    Fr. Juan Velez
    September 24, 2015
    In difficult times God raises men and women to rouse the Church. What does the Spirit say to the Churches? Religious truths are always the same, but in every time there are specific questions and pres...
    September 24, 2015
  • St. Junipero Serra, a herald of the Gospel in North America
    Fr. Juan Velez
    September 24, 2015
    Today Junipero Serra, a Spanish Franciscan and founder of nine of the twenty-one California missions in the 18th century, was declared a saint by Pope Francis at a solemn Mass at the Basilica of the I...
    September 24, 2015
  • St. John Chrysostom's Death
    Fr. Juan Velez
    September 22, 2015
    Banished from Constantinople through the instigation of his enemies St. John Chrysostom had arrived in Cucusus in the autumn. He survived the hardship of travel and an illness along the way as well as...
    September 22, 2015
  • Newman College in Ireland
    Fr. Juan Velez
    September 21, 2015
    "Nicholas Healy, president emeritus of Ave Maria University and a former vice president of Franciscan University of Steubenville, facilitated the launch of Newman College Ireland, which completed its ...
    September 21, 2015
  • Forgiveness in Suffering and Gratefulness to Friends, St. John Chrysostom ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    September 13, 2015
    Faced with injustice, illness or significant loss people are often angry and resentful, sad and withdrawn. St. John Chrysostom, instead, displayed resilience and good temper, forbearance of his persec...
    September 13, 2015
  • St. John Chrysostom: Rejoicing in Suffering and Giving Glory to God ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    August 18, 2015
    Christian life entails suffering, sometimes great suffering, and the response distinguishes a Christian from others: in the midst of hardship and even persecution he forgives and gives praise to God. ...
    August 18, 2015
  • Newman House to be Restored
    Fr. Juan Velez
    July 31, 2015
    Blessed John Henry Newman together with Cardinal Paul Cullen and the Irish bishops established the Catholic University of Ireland in 1854. Newman was the founder and first rector.  At the start of th...
    July 31, 2015
  • A Matter of Life and Death - Cardinal Newman
    Fr. John Henry Hanson, O.Praem.
    July 22, 2015
    A Matter of Life and Death  by Fr. John Henry Hanson, O. Praem. When Moses set before the Israelites a choice between life and death, a blessing and a curse, he wasn’t simply issuing an ultimatu...
    July 22, 2015
  • Cardinal Newman's Gentleman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    July 16, 2015
    Newman’s Gentleman by Ronald J. Snyder, D.D.S. Evidence of the respect for Blessed John Henry Newman’s unsurpassed 19th century treatise of higher education is his frequently referenced gentlem...
    July 16, 2015
  • Chrysostom's Spiritual Renewal ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    July 4, 2015
    What was the secret of St. John Chrysostom's success as a leader and reformer? The spiritual leaders of a city or society inspire the moral lives of their citizens. They understand well people's ne...
    July 4, 2015
  • Marriage, Morality and the Saints ~ Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    June 27, 2015
    Yesterday, June 26, was a momentous and sad day for our nation: the highest court "legislated" that states within the United States cannot ban same-sex marriages. This is an attack on natural law as w...
    June 27, 2015
  • St. Philip, A Different Type of Refomer
    Fr. Juan Velez
    June 11, 2015
    St. Philip, A Different Type of Reformer Who was Philip Neri and what were the important stages in his formation? Having recounted the life of  Savonarola, and referring to God's appearance to ...
    June 11, 2015
  • St. Philip Neri, the Apostle of Rome ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    May 27, 2015
    Today the Church honors a great saint, Philip Neri (Filippo di Neri), who countered the decadent culture of his time with humility, charity and truthfulness. Philip (July 21, 1515 – May 25, 1595), w...
    May 27, 2015
  • Temples of the Holy Spirit ~ Cardinal Newman - by Fr. John Henry Hanson, O.Praem
    Fr. John Henry Hanson, O.Praem.
    May 14, 2015
    Temples of the Holy Spirit  by Fr. John Henry Hanson, O.Praem Contemplating the mystery of the Divine indwelling, Blessed John Henry Newman is enraptured at the thought of the Holy Spirit’s ...
    May 14, 2015
  • What Have You Ventured for Christ? ~ Cardinal Newman - by Fr. John Henry Hanson, O. Praem.
    Fr. John Henry Hanson, O.Praem.
    April 14, 2015
    What have you ventured for Christ? The Life of Faith in the Light of the Resurrection by Fr. John Henry Hanson, O. Praem. Faith in the risen Christ, glorious yet unseen, is no less crucial for u...
    April 14, 2015
  • Embracing the Cross ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    April 2, 2015
    Christ died on the Cross. But did he fail? Was he truly who he said he was? Jesus Christ laid down his life freely. He had said about his life: "I have power to lay it down, and I have power to ta...
    April 2, 2015
  • Anniversary of the Birth of Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    February 22, 2015
    Blessed Cardinal Newman was born in London on February 21, 1801. He was not only an exceptional thinker, theologian and writer but a holy priest and the founder of the Oratory of St. Phillip Neri in E...
    February 22, 2015
  • A liberal arts education ~ Fr. Juan R. Vélez
    Fr. Juan Velez
    February 13, 2015
    Why is a liberal arts education important? And what is a liberal arts education? These are questions that we need to ask seriously, especially if we wish to grow as human beings and serve our fami...
    February 13, 2015
  • A University Education for the 21st Century, Fr. Juan R. Vélez
    Fr. Juan Velez
    February 9, 2015
    A University Education for the 21st Century: The Opening of the American Mind is a book that I wrote in 2014. It is my hope that this work will help students, parents and university administrators ...
    February 9, 2015
  • Jesus, the Son of Man ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    December 23, 2014
    As we prepare to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ we have before us a text from the Letter to the Hebrews and some comments by Bl. John Henry Newman. "Both He that sanctifieth and th...
    December 23, 2014
  • Development of an idea and of doctrine ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    December 1, 2014
    The development of Christian doctrine is a very important subject in Christianity and one, which demands a proper understanding and safeguards. In An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine (...
    December 1, 2014
  • Christian Holiness according to Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 29, 2014
    Blessed John Henry Newman taught his friends and parishioners to strive for Christian holiness in every day life while trying to do so himself. The following is a link to Source and Summit which has a...
    October 29, 2014
  • Divorce and Remarriage, True Development of Doctrine?
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 25, 2014
    In a forth coming article for the Catholic World News Report I will be discussing the subject of development of Christian Doctrine to show that Communion for persons divorced and remarried is not auth...
    October 25, 2014
  • Why is Blessed Newman not well known yet?
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 9, 2014
    Today is the feast day of Blessed Cardinal John Henry Newman, a great English scholar and holy priest (1801-1890). His memorial is celebrated in the dioceses of England, but it is hoped that some ...
    October 9, 2014
  • Literature ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    September 24, 2014
    What is literature and why should we read the Classics? In our technological and scientific world that has reduced thinking to the practical and empirical sciences literature is often ignored or dismi...
    September 24, 2014
  • St. John Chrysostom ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    September 13, 2014
    Bl. John Henry Newman loved and admired St. John Chrysostom and wrote a long essay about him in Historical Sketches.  He wrote at the start of the essay: "I am so specially attached to the Saints...
    September 13, 2014
  • Christianity and Letters, Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    August 22, 2014
    Over the past year we have gone through the first part of Newman's The Idea of a University. Unfortunately part of this has been lost (from our website). We will continue now with part II of Newman's ...
    August 22, 2014
  • Meeting with Deacon Jack Sullivan
    Fr. Juan Velez
    August 11, 2014
    On July 22nd and July 30th of this year, 2014, I had the pleasure of meeting with Deacon Jack Sullivan first in Pembroke and next in Marshfield, Massachusetts. Deacon Sullivan, originally from Braintr...
    August 11, 2014
  • Idea of a University, the Preface (continued) ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    June 22, 2014
    The Preface (continued) Newman was correct in distinguishing the ends of a teaching institution and a research institution, but he failed to see how both goals could come together and, since hi...
    June 22, 2014
  • Mary, the Powerful Virgin ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    May 28, 2014
    Blessed John Henry Newman helps us to understand the title The Powerful Virgin with which the Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although the world is ruled by fixed laws given to it by the Creato...
    May 28, 2014
  • Mary, Sinless Mother ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    May 25, 2014
    When commenting on Virgin Mary's title Mater Intemerata, the Sinless Mother, Blessed John Henry Newman adduces other reasons for the Assumption of Mary who "was so transcendently holy, so full, so ov...
    May 25, 2014
  • Mary, Holy Mother of God ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    May 24, 2014
    The title Holy Mother of God denotes the reason for all the other titles and privileges of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In these reflections for the month of May John Henry Newman looks to one of the priv...
    May 24, 2014
  • Mary, the Ivory Tower ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    May 23, 2014
    A tower is a tall and strong structure. In the advocation the Ivory Tower the Blessed Virgin Mary is compared to a tower. Blessed John Henry Newman explains that Mary was more courageous than Jesus' ...
    May 23, 2014
  • Mary, Queen of Martyrs
    Fr. Juan Velez
    May 17, 2014
    Like many other holy men and women Blessed John Henry Newman meditates on the moral sufferings of the Virgin Mary which merit her the title Queen of Martyrs. "What an overwhelming horror it must have ...
    May 17, 2014
  • Mary, Mother of the Creator
    Fr. Juan Velez
    May 14, 2014
    Blessed John Henry Newman comments on the title Mother of the Creator which he admits seems confusing. He readily explains, however, that do deny it is to deny "the great and fundamental truth of reve...
    May 14, 2014
  • Heart-to-Heart Preaching: Bl. John Henry Cardinal Newman in the Pulpit by Fr. John McCloskey
    Fr. John McCloskey
    May 12, 2014
    Heart-to-Heart Preaching: Bl. John Henry Cardinal Newman in the Pulpit by Father John McCloskey First presented at a Spring 2013 seminar for priests in Pembroke, MA. Dear Priest Friends and B...
    May 12, 2014
  • Mary, Sedes Sapientiae ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    May 12, 2014
    Pope Leo XIII created John Henry Newman a cardinal on May 12, 1879. On that occasion Newman gave an Address in which he renewed his opposition to liberalism in religion: "the doctrine that there is no...
    May 12, 2014
  • Mary, Mirror of Justice ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    May 11, 2014
    Blessed John Henry Newman comments on Mary's title Mirror of Justice telling us that by "justice" we do not mean what is understood in ordinary English; instead we mean "all virtues at once, a perfect...
    May 11, 2014
  • Queen of Angels ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    May 10, 2014
    The Church honors Mary with the title Regina Angelorum. The obvious reason for this invocation is that she is in heaven with her Son who is King and thus she is Queen. Although true Blessed John Henry...
    May 10, 2014
  • Holy Mary ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    May 9, 2014
    Blessed John Henry Newman helps us to understand the meaning of the title Sancta Maria by teaching us about God's holiness: "We say that God alone is holy, though in truth all His high attributes a...
    May 9, 2014
  • The New Saint, John Paul II, paved the path for the beatification of Blessed John Henry Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    April 27, 2014
    Every century has a few great men or women who shine as light for their contemporaries: an Augustine in the 4th century, a Charlemagne in the 9th century, a Catherine of Siena in the 14th century. In ...
    April 27, 2014
  • The Cross of Christ the Measure of the World ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    April 18, 2014
    John Henry Newman preached the sermon The Cross of Christ the Measure of the World on April 9, 1841 (Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol 6). In this sermon preached on a Fifth Sunday of Lent he offers a ...
    April 18, 2014
  • Universities and Seminaries ~ Card. Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    March 23, 2014
    Universities and Seminaries: L'Ecole des Hautes Etudes Newman concludes this series of short essays with a look at seminaries. The first seminaries for the formation of diocesan clergy were episcop...
    March 23, 2014
  • Newman, a Man of Prayer
    Fr. Juan Velez
    February 22, 2014
    John Henry Newman, a Man of Prayer (revised from article for www.aleteia.org on Feb. 21, 2014) John Henry Newman, born in London on February 21, 1801 was an Anglican convert to Roman Catholicism. H...
    February 22, 2014
  • Abuse of authority by College authorities ~ Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    February 17, 2014
    Having painted a picture of the origins of universities and their reason for being and of the nature of colleges Newman turns to explain a dysfunction of university education in his alma mater, Oxford...
    February 17, 2014
  • Christian Unity and Cardinal Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    January 24, 2014
    As an Anglican John Henry Newman began to pray for Christian unity in 1841 at the urging of Fr. Spencer, a Catholic priest. At first he did so with hesitation because he held that Anglicans already pr...
    January 24, 2014
  • History of higher Catholic Education in Ireland ~ Card. Newman
    Fr. Juan Velez
    October 27, 2013
    By Fr. Juan Velez In a fitting manner, Newman turns his attention to the history of a Catholic university in Ireland. He traces a history of many attempts, primarily by bishops and clergy, since th...
    October 27, 2013

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