John Henry Newman (1801–1890) was a prominent English theologian, educator, and writer whose spiritual journey significantly influenced 19th-century Christianity. Born in London, he was the eldest of six children in a middle-class Anglican family. At age 15, he experienced a profound religious conversion to Evangelical Christianity, which he later described as a pivotal moment in his life. Newman entered Trinity College, Oxford, at 16 and became a fellow of Oriel College in 1822. He was ordained as an Anglican priest and served as vicar of the University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, where his sermons attracted a wide audience and established his reputation as a compelling preacher.‍

Newman emerged as a leading figure in the Oxford Movement, which aimed to revive the Catholic heritage within the Church of England. His deep study of early Church history and the writings of the Church Fathers led him to question Anglican doctrines. After years of theological reflection, he converted to Roman Catholicism in 1845, a decision that resulted in personal and professional sacrifices, including the loss of friends and his position at Oxford . He was received into the Catholic Church by Blessed Domenico Barberi, a Passionist priest.‍

As a Catholic, Newman was ordained a priest and later elevated to cardinal in 1879 by Pope Leo XIII. He founded the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Birmingham and played a crucial role in establishing the Catholic University of Ireland, which evolved into University College Dublin . Newman's extensive writings, including "Apologia Pro Vita Sua" and "The Idea of a University," have had a lasting impact on theology and education. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Francis on October 13, 2019 .