29 July 2026

In one of his holiday poems, Cardinal Newman wrote, ‘Welcome the thorn – it is divinely sent!’ This enduring faith is evident throughout his life. He was only free to take this extended holiday because of a specific thorn.

In his work as tutor at Oriel College, he displeased the Provost by spending too much time with his students. One of Newman’s gifts was his pastoral care which he exercised effectively throughout his ministry.

In the days when tutors had little personal contact with their students, Newman took time to listen, engage, guide and care for them in a way that is expected nowadays. But not then!

As a result, his students were removed. Two things happened. Firstly, he had time to travel. And out of this experience came his sense of purpose. Secondly, he had time to concentrate on what became known as the Oxford Movement.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, St Paul writes about a thorn which was given to him to keep him from becoming too elated. Three times he prayed for it to be removed. But it wasn’t. Instead, God gave him a new way of looking at his infliction. ‘My grace is sufficient for you for power is made perfect in weakness.’