Baptised and Sent A reflection on the call to holiness in view of the canonization of B. John Henry Newman this week

What is to be a saint? Every person is called to share the blessed life of God in eternity. When a person is baptised, the seed of eternal life is planted. The Holy Spirit lives in them. B. J H Newman was baptised on the 9 April 1801.

Those whom the Church has recognised as ‘saints’ were ordinary people from all walks of life from all around the world.

Found happiness in giving B. J H Newman’s passion was education and he gave himself and his resources to help set up schools and a university.

Are friends of God and role models for Christians B. J H Newman had a great gift for friendship and kept in touch with many hundreds of people from all walks of life. There are 31 volumes of his letters.

B. J H Newman suffered many crushing setbacks in his life B. J H Newman suffered many crushing setbacks in his life. When he converted to Roman Catholicism, he met much misunderstanding. But he never gave up. Never gave up…

Went against the flow… B. J H Newman converted to Roman Catholicism in 1845, when there was much public opposition to Roman Catholics.

Changed their world B. John Henry Newman left an inspiring legacy. Many of his sermons, meditations and thoughts are part of the treasury of the Church. His teaching on conscience has been included within the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Were joyful B. J H Newman never lost a sense of joy and closeness to God.

Are part of the Church… When B. J H Newman is canonised this Sunday, he will become St John Henry Newman. We who belong to the pilgrim Church on earth can pray to him to intercede (ask God) for our needs.

Are role models Many thousands of people lined the streets when B. John Henry Newman’s coffin was taken for burial in Rednal, Birmingham. Since then, millions have found inspiration in his life and story.

Followed Christ as a pattern of life Christ was at the centre of B. John Henry Newman’s life – his light and inspiration.

Prayer (adapted from B. John Henry Newman’s meditation) God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission – I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. He has not created me for nothing. Dear Lord, help us to trust that you know us through and through and what is best for us. Help us to cooperate with your grace so that we may become the persons you made us to be, for this is what it is to be a saint. In Christ Jesus, Amen.