Newman Shrine

In a quiet corner of the Birmingham Oratory, between two large marble pillars, parishioners are beginning to imagine a new 'centre-piece' to the church: a shrine devoted to the life of its founder, the Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman. At this point there will soon be placed a large marble sarcophagus which will contain the earthly remains of Newman.

The plans for this are being finalised, with the Ministry of Justice now approving of the transfer of Newman's remains from his grave in Rednal (the Oratory retreat house a few miles south of Birmingham, near the old Rover factory in Longbridge). The body will be photographed before being placed into a new coffin and put on show at the Oratory, before a final celebratory Mass, when the coffin will be placed into its final resting place of the marble sarcophagus.

The sarcophagus will be a shade of green Italian marble, from the quarry at Carrara (a suitable piece of stone has already been identified) and emblazoned with Newman's coat of arms. It will have inscribed upon it in silver lettering Newman's motto: Ex umbris et imaginibus in veritatem which means "out of shadows and images into Truth". It will be surrounded by four candlesticks and surmounted by a silver lamp, as a fitting place to venerate Newman's relics, which will one day be transformed and reunited to his soul in Heaven, as is our Christian Hope.

This sarcophagus will cost in the region of £50,000, but over £8500 has already been raised. The Holy Souls Altar, where it is due to be placed near, is on the Gospel side of the church (left-hand side) and is the second side altar from the back of church. Please continue to pray for the continued success of the beatification process in Rome, as he will hopefully be declared 'Blessed' in December later this year.

Eternal Father, You led John Henry Newman to follow the kindly light of Truth, and he obediently responded to your heavenly calls at any cost. As writer, preacher, counsellor and educator, as pastor, Oratorian, and servant of the poor he laboured to build up your Kingdom.

Grant that through your Vicar on Earth we may hear the words,
'Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the company of the canonized saints.'

May you manifest your Servant's power of intercession by even extraordinary answers to the prayers of the faithful throughout the world. We pray particularly for our intentions in his name and in the name of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.