Canonisation ‘a special day for Irish’, says Taoiseach

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar yesterday welcomed the canonisation in Rome by Pope Francis of Cardinal John Henry Newman, the founding Rector of the Catholic University – now University College Dublin.

In front of tens of thousands of pilgrims in the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square, the Pontiff elevated the English theologian, priest and writer to sainthood.

Minister for Education & Skills, Joe McHugh, and the United Kingdom’s prince of Wales attended the ceremony.

Speaking about the elevation to sainthood, Mr Varadkar said: ‘His canonisation by Pope Francis is a recognition of his great intellectual and theological influence, his pastoral dedication – particularly to the poor, and his work to foster understanding between faiths.’

The Taoiseach added: ‘The canonisation of John Henry Newman is a significant day for Catholics around the world, and it is also a special day for Irish people. He left a remarkable legacy in Ireland, one that merits him being considered an Irish saint as well as a British one. One of the finest prose writers of the 19th century, and one of the most influential educationalists of all time, his lectures on the idea of a university given in Dublin in 1852, and later published as a book, changed our idea of education.’

Born in London, Cardinal Newman spent four years in Dublin as Rector of the university before returning to England.

Prince Charles praised the cardinal as a man of principle, highlighted his work championing Catholicism and paid tribute to his enlightened thoughts on faith, education and conscience.

Four other religious figures were also canonised – Indian mystic Mother Mariam Thresia; Swiss laywoman Marguerite Bays who dedicated her life to her community; Mother Giuseppina Vannini, a religious sister from Rome, and Brazilian-born Sister Dulce Lopes, were also honoured.