Newman : thoughts and impressions

Abstract

Allow me to make, for my first word, what politicians call 'a personal explanation'. When the idea of inviting students to participate actively in the Centenary Celebrations of Cardinal Newman's Reception into the Catholic Church was approved by the Committee of the Guild, and when subsequently the Committee asked me to contribute a few thoughts on such a majestic figure as John Henry Cardinal Newman, I confess that I accepted not without misgiving. Newman, it is true, I prize highly both as a man of piety, steadfast purpose, and high Christian principles and as a great master of English prose. True it is too that since I came under the spell of his• writings in 1939 I have turned again and again to his wonderful lectures on the Idea of a University and to the moving pages in his Apologia and the great passages in his Historical Sketches until I almost find myself repeating earnestly the words Credo in Newmannum that were a shining symbol of faith for hundreds of undergraduates in the stirring days of Newman's Tractarian leadership.