Video Lectures Give Fresh Introduction to Newman

Who is St. John Henry Newman? The 19th century Anglican prelate who came into full communion with the Catholic Church is renowned for many reasons. He is known as the co-founder of the Oxford Movement that initiated a "Catholic revival" within the Church of England, and is considered a key figure for Catholics of the Anglican tradition in the personal ordinariates. Newman would himself come into full communion with the Catholic Church, and become a Catholic priest and eventually a Cardinal. And he is known for his towering intellect and authorship of such works as The Idea of the University. 

But Newman's canonization by the Catholic Church on Oct. 13, 2019 brings into focus the most important part of Newman: his abiding love of Jesus Christ and a life lived in intimate fellowship with the Lord. For people looking for an introduction to Newman the saint, St. Alban's Catholic Church, the Ordinariate parish community in Rochester, N.Y., has produced a four-part video introduction by its parish priest, Fr. Nathan Davis. 

The Introduction to St. John Henry Newman series provides an overview of Newman's life story, sermons, writings, poetry, prayers, meditations, and devotions. Each lecture is an hour-long aimed at familiarizing people with the highlights of this saint and his life. 

Fr. Davis's four-part introduction sets the stage for further discovery of Newman's works, which were aimed at drawing people to living a life of holiness in Jesus Christ. At St. Alban's, Fr. Davis has followed up his Introduction to Newman series with Cor ad Cor, a weekly study group that reads, reflects upon, and discusses Newman's sermons after St. Alban's Wednesday evening Mass. 

The four part video series can be watched below on St. Alban's YouTube. It is a timely preparation for the Catholic Church's celebration of St. John Henry Newman's feast on Oct. 9.