July 6, 2009. Cardinal John Henry Newman is set to be beatified very soon now that the pope has officially recognized a miracle attributed to his intercession.

The approved miracle was the inexplicable cure of a back ailment suffered by deacon Jack Sullivan.

Beatification is the step that precedes canonization. It means the candidate for sainthood can be venerated in his diocese.

Cardinal John Henry Newman was an Anglican presbyter that converted to Catholicism in 1845. He was one of the most important figures of the Oxford movement that advocated for the Church of England’s return to its Catholic roots.

One of his biggest admirers is Benedict XVI, who during his years in the seminary studied Newman’s life and writings.

The only thing that’s left is the date for beatification. The ceremony could be celebrated next year in Rome or London, the cardinal’s place of birth.


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