A centre for Faith and Reason named after Blessed John Henry Newman is to be opened in Dublin. The centre is an initiative of Notre Dame University in the US state of Illinois.
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin said the new centre, at University College in St Stephen’s Green, would open later this year.
Archbishop Martin said: “I see the establishment of the Notre Dame-Newman Centre for Faith and Reason as an opportunity for University College to return to its original vocation as a focal point for reflection on faith and reason. Dublin can take a new lead in today’s changed social context in something which is part of the rich heritage of Newman’s presence in Dublin.”
Blessed John Henry Newman spent much time in Dublin in the 1850s, helping to set up University College – though he resigned as rector after the university became caught up in ecclesiastical politics. However, Newman’s lectures on the role of a university, composed during this period and published as The Idea of a University, have become a classic educational text. They argue for the importance of cultivating secular knowledge, even in an explicitly Catholic institution.
Last month Archbishop Martin lamented the lack of intellectual vitality in the Irish Church. Citing Newman, he said it lacked “keen intellects … addressing the pressing subjects of the day”.
As well as being a base for dialogue between the Church and wider society, and between faith and reason, the centre will put on events for young Catholics. Archbishop Martin said the centre would not only be “an intellectual debating centre, but will also work in the formation of an active and committed faith community of young professionals”.
The priesthood is a path to happiness, says archbishop
Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh has hailed the priestly vocation as a path to happiness and fulfilment.
“Throughout my own life, I have found priests to be among the happiest, most fulfilled, most dedicated people I know, and I am proud to be one of them. There’s nothing quite like it, and I mean that in a good way,” Archbishop Cushley said.
He made his comments in a homily at St Mary’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Edinburgh as he ordained two men – Fr Jamie McMorrin and Fr Tony Lappin. “Let your lives be an inspiration and example to others of the love of Christ. Pray often for your people, not for yourselves. Preach the Gospel first by your lives, and then in your homilies,” he said.
“Above all, be a loving father to the people entrusted to your care. You are the pastors of this Church’s future: we look to you to lead us by your words and example.”
Fr Tony Lappin, from Loanhead in Midlothian, will serve as assistant priest at three parishes in Livingston. Fr Jamie McMorrin, from Kinghorn in Fife, will be assistant priest at St Francis Xavier’s, Falkirk, St Anthony’s, Polmont and Our Lady of the Angels, Camelon.
St Anthony’s relics complete tour
St Anthony of Padua’s relics have completed their tour of Britain with a three-day visit to St Anthony’s parish, Forest Gate, London. The relics were venerated in Scotland, Middlesbrough, Salford, Sheffield, Shrewsbury and Birmingham.
The Anglican Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Rev Dr Michael Ipgrave, took part in the veneration of the relics in Birmingham. Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham said the gesture “reflects Christ’s prayer that we may be one”.
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