Founder honoured by Pope

THE founder of a co-educational, private Catholic boarding school in Woodcote has been proclaimed a Doctor of the Church.

Saint John Henry Newman, who founded The Oratory in 1859, was proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV during Mass in St Peter’s Square on the Feast of All Saints on November 1.

While marking the Jubilee of World Education, which takes place from October 31 to November 2, Pope Leo named Saint Newman co-patron, alongside Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Saint Newman is one of 38 who hold the title of doctor of the church.

Addressing educators on the occasion, Pope Leo said: “We live in a world dominated by technological screens and filters that are often superficial, whereas students need help to get in touch with their inner selves.

“And not only them but educators too, who are often tired and overburdened with bureaucratic tasks, run the real risk of forgetting what Saint John Henry Newman summed up in the expression: cor ad cor loquitur (‘heart speaks unto heart’).

“These words invite us to view formation as a path that teachers and pupils walk together.”

Headmaster Matthew Fogg said: “We have returned to school with joyous news from the Vatican as Pope Leo formally declared Saint John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Church — an incredibly rare honour.”

The moment was marked by a whole-school mass and celebratory cake at the school during lunchtime on Monday last week.