Realizations

What is the secret of John Henry Newman's enduring appeal? It perhaps lies in the freshness, persuasiveness, and brilliance of his descriptions of Christianity. Newman, who was canonized by Pope Francis in 2019 and named a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIV on July 31, 2025, often uses the word "realization" rather than "faith" or "belief" to describe the process of becoming a Christian. To him, a realization is a moment when "one opens one's heart to a truth." He continues to enthrall us because through him we come to recognize Christianity not as a languid assent to a series of propositions, but as a vivid encounter with concrete realities. This collection of his sermons—the ones Newman himself felt were his best—is the ideal introduction to one of the greatest writers in the Christian tradition.

Vincent Ferrer Blehl, SJ, (1921-2001) was the Postulator of the cause of Newman's canonization, and the author of several books and articles about Newman's life and work.