By Stephanie Le, Staff Writer
Newman University will bear the name of a saint when John Henry Cardinal Newman is confirmed for sainthood by Pope Francis later this month.
Cardinal Newman will be canonized as a saint on Oct. 13 in Rome, and Newman faculty, staff, and students are preparing for a celebration.
Junior Marie O’Neal from the Campus Ministry Office said that she is excited about Cardinal Newman’s canonization. O’Neal said the Campus Ministry Office will be hosting events leading up to his canonization, and will be having a lock-in and a watch party the night he gets canonized.
“I think it will be very exciting for the whole campus. Our namesake will be recognized as a saint, and I believe students will become even more inspired by Cardinal Newman and the way he lived his life here on Earth,” O’Neal said.
Over 30 alumni, board members and Newman supporters will be taking a Pilgrimage to Rome to watch Newman’s canonization, including President Noreen Carrocci, Vice President of University Advancement J.V. Johnston, former Newman Chaplain John Fogliasso and Board of Trustees Chair J.T. Klaus.
“As much time as I’ve devoted to Newman University, on this most important thing that could occur to our namesake, I feel like I’d have to be there,” Klaus said.
For those who will still be at Newman for the canonization, on-campus events planned to celebrate the canonization are listed below:
Friday, Oct. 4: Campus Ministry hosts Jet Friday, so free coffee and donuts will be served from 8:30 to 10 a.m in the Dugan Student Center.
Monday, Oct. 7: Chalking Sidewalks with Newman, 8:30 a.m. Students can celebrate the canonization of Cardinal Newman by using chalk to draw or write on campus sidewalks.
Tuesday, Oct. 8: Newman Documentary: Bishop Barron’s Pivotal Players series, 8 p.m. at the Alumni Center. In this theological series, Bishop Robert Baron shares the life story of Cardinal Newman and his religious journey.
Wednesday, Oct. 9: “Newman in the Park” with coffee, hot chocolate and scones – 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Eck Foyer. Similar to “Theatre in the Park,” students may volunteer to read some of Cardinal Newman’s sermons and writings for 15 minutes. In addition, Newman’s Feast Day Mass will be held at 12:05 p.m in St. John’s Chapel.
Thursday, Oct. 10: Spaghetti feed & pumpkin painting will start at 5:30 p.m. in The Landing
Friday, Oct. 11: Ice Cream Celebration will be 12:30-3 p.m. in the Dugan Student Center.
Saturday, Oct. 12: Adoration under the Stars starts at 8:30 p.m outside of Sacred Heart Hall. Students will gather around the Cardinal Newman statue to dedicate an hour of prayer and reflection to Cardinal Newman.
Sunday, Oct. 13: Canonization Watch Party / Lock-in will be from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. in Sacred Heart Hall. Afterward, a Solemn Mass for St. John Henry Newman will be held at 7 p.m. in St. John’s Chapel to celebrate his canonization.
Thursday, Oct. 24: The Annual Prayer Breakfast will include a Newman Canonization Recap and begins at 8 a.m. in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Room. Newman faculty, staff, and students are welcome to enjoy some breakfast food while discussing Cardinal Newman’s canonization.
PHOTO: Carley Sullivan, Photography Editor.
