Saint John Henry Cardinal Newman

via Today we sing Cardinal Newman’s hymn, “Lead, Kindly Light,” which his own life embodied and faith made bold: “I do not ask to see the distant scene, one step enough for me.”

John Henry Newman was many things. The article above will give those unfamiliar with the Church’s newest Saint a succinct summary of the man. For myself the most striking thing about Newman was that he was a novelist! I could be wrong, but I believe he is the first of the breed to be canonized.

There really is hope for all of us.

Cardinal Newman’s Hymn

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
Shouldst 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 pow’r has blest me, sure it still
Wilt 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.

Saint John Henry Cardinal Newman, Ora Pro Nobis!