The last week of our preparations for the Newman canonisation has begun. As I pack my bags to go to Rome and prepare for the occasion, this is a chance to pause and look back over the journey that we’ve travelled, especially over the past year. For me there were four special features that stand out.
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When I first read the account of the miracle that led to the canonisation it was impressive enough to read, but over these last months I have been privileged to get to know the recipient, Melissa Villalobos. Her devotion to Newman is palpable, and a great testimony to his sanctity. After speaking to her by phone, it was evident that we needed to get a film crew over to Chicago and record her account properly. You can see the result on our website, newmancanonisation.com. It was a really special experience for the production team, just as it is for anyone watching the great film that they’ve made. But her influence on the whole canonisation process doesn’t stop with the story of the miracle. It was Melissa who first suggested the idea of doing a novena, and as I write, the huge numbers of people signing up are a remarkable witness to the spiritual impetus that has been generated from her interaction with Blessed John Henry. I greatly look forward to getting to know her and her family better over the coming days.
