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Liverpool Hope Fellow's Cardinal Newman book set for release

Photo of Newmans face with a quote next to it

The life and times of Cardinal John Henry Newman is the subject of a highly-anticipated new book by a well-known Merseyside priest.

Rev’d Rod Garner, who is an Honorary Fellow of Liverpool Hope University, says completing ‘Bright Evening Star – A Portrait of John Henry Newman’, has fulfilled “a long-standing personal ambition”.
 
In February it was announced that Cardinal Newman is closer to being canonised after a second miracle in his name was confirmed by the Pope.
 
Two authenticated miracles are required before sainthood and Newman, who was already credited with curing a man's spinal disease, is now said to have healed a woman's unstoppable bleeding.
 
Newman, born in 1801, will be the first English saint since the Forty Martyrs, who were executed under Reformation laws between 1535 and 1679 and canonised in 1970.
 
Rev’d Garner, who is also Canon Emeritus of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and retired last year after 23 years at Southport's Holy Trinity Church, said: “Writing this book fulfils a long-standing personal ambition and reflects my abiding interest in Newman as a writer and deep religious thinker.
 
“I hope it introduces him to a wider readership as the Catholic Church prepares to make him a Saint. 
 
"He is a fascinating and complex personality with important things to say to us today concerning how we might live faithful and creative lives."
 
Professor Michael Wheeler, Chairman of Gladstone’s Library and author of The Old Enemies, said: “Rod Garner’s reading of Newman is informed, perceptive and personal.
 
“Newman’s motto was Cor ad cor loquitur (heart speaks to heart), and the Rev’d Garner’s outline biography and subsequent chapters come from the heart if a committed Anglican priest.
 
“It is an accessible and enjoyable read.”
 
Rev’d Garner’s book, which is being published by Liverpool Hope University Press, will be launched at Liverpool Hope on Thursday June 6 2019 at 1pm in Seminar Rooms 1&2, Conference Centre, Hope Park.
 
There will be a further two book launches, which Rod will be delivering himself, at Southport College on Tuesday June 11 (7pm) and Ince Blundell Hall on Thursday June 20 (6pm).
 
To confirm your attendance please e-mail rgcfgarner@gmail.com or phone 077548 12915.

Published on 26/05/2019