Religious Scholar Will Speak on the Life of Cardinal John Henry Newman

January 21, 2011

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The Rev. Uwe Michael Lang of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri in London will speak on the life of 19th century Cardinal John Henry Newman from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, in Barfield Drawing Room, on the second floor of the Bill Daniel Student Center.

His presentation, "Heart Speaks to Heart: John Henry Newman as a Reader of the Church Fathers," will shed light on Newman's impact on the Christian faith. The lecture will be presented by Baylor University's Institute for Faith and Learning, the Honors College and the Department of Religion.

"John Henry Newman was arguably the most brilliant Christian intellectual of the 19th century," said Dr. Michael Foley, an associate professor of patristics. "Newman's thinking is especially relevant to Baylor as it continues to live out its mission as a Christian university in the 21st century."

Newman was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI a few months ago, which is the step preceding recognition as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. He is also the author of The Idea of a University.

Newman "influenced Catholic thinking on how doctrine develops historically," Foley said. "But his thought is valuable to Christians of all backgrounds. His sermons and writings on sacred Scripture are magnificent, profound, and beautiful."

Lang is a member of the religious community founded by Newman in England more than a century ago. He has also worked extensively on the writings of the church fathers.

Lang was a member of the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and a Coordinator of the Master's course in Architecture, Sacred Art and Liturgy at the Universita Europea di Roma. He has authored several books, including Turning Towards the Lord, which is changing the way Catholics view worship, Foley said.

Lang will be celebrating a traditional Latin high Mass in honor of Newman at 5:30 p.m. on Jan.24 at St. Louis Church at 2001 N. 25th St. in Waco.

This Mass, used prior to the Second Vatican Council, is rare and should be breathtaking, Foley said. All are welcome to attend.

The Bill Daniel Student Union Building is located at 1311 S. Fifth St.

by Susie Typher, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805