Holy Apostles College & Seminary is pleased to share that Adjunct Professor Patrick Reilly, president of The Cardinal Newman Society, represented our community in Rome during Pope Leo XIV’s historic proclamation of St. John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Universal Church on November 1.
Professor Reilly and his wife, Rosario, joined thousands of Catholics in St. Peter’s Square for the All Saints Mass, a liturgy marked by deep beauty and reverence. During the celebration, the schola sang Lead, Kindly Light, the hymn written by Newman during a pivotal moment in his life. For Professor Reilly and The Cardinal Newman Society, the hymn remains a powerful reminder of the mission of faithful Catholic education.
Pope Leo XIV formally declared: “We… by the fullness of the apostolic power, declare Saint John Henry Newman Doctor of the Universal Church.”
This recognition affirms Newman’s lasting impact on Catholic education, especially his vision for forming students in faith, intellect, and moral witness. The declaration came just days before the Holy Father released a document naming Newman co-patron of Catholic education alongside St. Thomas Aquinas.
Professor Reilly attended Vatican events as both president of The Cardinal Newman Society and an adjunct professor at Holy Apostles College & Seminary.
Holy Apostles is grateful for Professor Reilly’s commitment to promoting faithful Catholic education and for representing our College during this important moment in the life of the Church.