Gospel in Art: Feast of Saint John Henry Newman

John Henry Newman, by William Thomas Roden, 1874 © Manchester Art Gallery

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 9 October 2024
John 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples:

'As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love.

If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.

I have told you this so that my own joy may be in you and your joy be complete. This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you. A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.

You are my friends, if you do what I command you. I shall not call you servants any more, because a servant does not know his master's business; I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father.

You did not choose me: no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last; and then the Father will give you anything you ask him in my name. What I command you is to love one another.'

Reflection on the painting

This three-quarter length frontal portrait of Cardinal John Henry Newman was painted by William Thomas Roden around 1874. It depicts Cardinal Newman as an elderly man with white hair, dressed in the cassock of the Congregation of the Oratory of St Philip Neri, the religious community he founded in England. After converting to Catholicism in 1845, Newman was ordained as a Catholic priest and sought to establish a community of priests following the model of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, a religious congregation founded in 16th-century Italy. In 1848, he founded the first English Oratory in Birmingham and later helped establish a second Oratory in London.

Seated in a simple wooden armchair with a curved back, against a soft brown, graduated background, the Cardinal rests both hands on his right knee, gazing pensively to the left. The portrait evokes a contemplative mood, tinged with melancholy. Of all the depictions of Newman, this is perhaps one of my favourite ones.

As we mark Cardinal Newman's feast day today, I would like to share a link to a series of podcasts produced by the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. These podcasts offer valuable insights into the depth of Newman's teachings, writings and sermons, featuring reflections from individuals who have been deeply inspired by him. You can access the podcasts by clicking here.

Newman's remarkable life was marked by a fearless search for truth. On his feast day we are reminded of his own words: "To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often." In his spirit, may we too embrace the changes that lead us to a closer friendship with Christ.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-15-9-17-2024-3/