Cardinal John Newman

As I began researching cardinal angels and saints for this site, my purpose was actually twofold. While I felt it was important to research these topics to find additional cardinal information, inside, I was also hoping to find a patron cardinal angel or saint to dedicate the site to. Personally, I believe it is always beneficial to have a higher power watch over one's work and considering the special significance of this cardinal project, perhaps those benefits will prove to be even greater.

As it happens, I discovered some deeply meaningful words of hope from the writings of Cardinal John Newman. Having no former knowledge of the cardinal, I thought it would be nice to include the words to his beautiful and inspiring poem to the content of this site. I soon learned that Cardinal Newman was not only a man of God, he was also a writer of great distinction, widely known for his poetic words that “gave special comfort to the bereaved”.

His best known poem called “Lead, Kindly Light”, was also a long favored hymn and later became a popular inspirational song. This poignant song was also one of Mahatma Gandhi's favorite hymns and when you hear the words, you may understand why it appeals to such a broad spectrum of people, around the world. The video below is powerful rendition of this beautiful song by Aled Jones.

Ironically, as I began looking a little deeper into the Cardinal's works, I found out about an American gentleman with a severe spinal condition who was miraculously healed as a result of praying to the Cardinal. Following a detailed investigation, the Vatican declared that the man's healing was indeed a miracle. In September of 2010 Pope Benedict XVI announced the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, bestowing upon him the title 'Blessed'. As one of the many ardent admirers of the Cardinal's life and works, the Pope awaits a second miracle whereby Cardinal Newman may be officially proclaimed a Saint.

While discovering these uplifting words of hope written by a gifted cardinal nearly two centuries ago may not seem like much of a miracle, for me, the discovery is yet another miraculous little sparkle adding a glimmer of mystery and hope to the pages of this site. In a world filled with God's miracles, both mega and mini, who is to say that someone touched by viewing this very page may not be the receiver of the next miraculous cardinal healing.

Miracles are always worth asking for, and whether or not they are ever recognized or even spoken aloud, my personal hope and prayer is that whatever shape or form your cardinal miracle may assume, it will bless and heal You, body, mind and soul.

May the Blessed Cardinal, John Newman hear your prayer.

Lead, Kindly Light

Lead, kindly Light, amid th'encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on; The night is dark, and I am far from home; Lead Thou me on. Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see The distant scene one step enough for me. 

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou Shouldest lead me on; I loved to choose and see my path; but now Lead Thou me on. I loved the garish day, and spite of fears, Pride ruled my will: Remember not past years. 

So long Thy power has blest me, sure it still Will lead me on O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till The night is gone. And with the morn those angel faces smile, Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile. 

Meantime, along the narrow rugged path, Thyself hast trod, Lead, Savior, lead me home in childlike faith, Home to my God. To rest forever after earthly strife In the calm light of everlasting life.

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