Newman for Our Time
Would you describe yourself as a truth-seeker? Would you be willing to leave a religion you have always followed and a career that elevated you to the heights of prestige and influence because you found the truth?
That was what Saint John Henry Newman (1801-1890) did to the shock and anger of many. His conversion from Anglicanism to Catholicism caused a religious and political stir in his day, and he lost many friends and family members in the process. However, he gained an eternal crown and a legacy that still reverberates in history over a century later.
On November 1st, 2025, Newman was declared a Doctor of the Church due to his outstanding contribution to theology, education and critical topics such as the relationship between faith and reason and the critical nature of conscience.
I first learned about him over 10 years ago after reading this touching quote of his:
“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. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.
He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments.
Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.”
― John Henry Newman
I had the absolute joy of speaking with Msgr. Laurence Spiteri about his new book, “Newman for Our Time” about St. John Henry Newman.
Msgr. Spiteri is a priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, California and currently works in Rome as the Prelate Auditor of the Roman Rota at the Vatican and Commissioner of ratum-non-consumatum cases. He holds doctorates in biblical studies, psychology, and canon law, and a specialization in international law regarding the Church-state relationship.
Not only is he knowledgeable about Newman’s life, but he is incredibly witty and had me laughing through parts of the interview. I hope you too will appreciate his sense of humor as you listen or watch.
Tune into this episode to learn more about:
John Henry Newman’s journey of faith from Calvinism to Anglicanism to Catholicism
His views of the role of the laity in the church
The infallibility of the Pope and what that really means
Why Catholics and non-Catholics love Newman
Why every Pope (except for two) has cited Newman and his writings ever since he became Catholic
You can watch this episode on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
With love,
Valentina
