This title is rarely given as only 37 saints have previously been declared Doctor of the Church, and it is only granted to those who have made a significant contribution to the Church’s theology and doctrine through their study and writings. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to give thanks that we have such an illustrious founder to our school – truly one of the greatest minds ever to have lived.

The Archbishop of Birmingham noted that "Newman is only the third Englishman to be afforded this title, after St Bede the Venerable and St Anselm of Canterbury, for the historic and abiding impact of his teaching on the universal Church. It is also remarkable that his writings, first as an Anglican and then as a Roman Catholic, but considered as one entire corpus of written work, have led to him being declared a Doctor of the Church. His motto 'Cor ad cor loquitur' (Heart speaks to heart) is a key to understanding the influence of St John Henry’s teaching, communicated to us at the deepest level of our being."

We look forward to celebrating our founder and this new title when we return to school in September.

Cor ad cor loquitur!