Dublin: Newman University Church a hidden gem!
Found this church totally by accident when wandering back to my hotel from St. Stephen's Green. I was walking on the other side of the street when I spotted some strange architectural elements in the narrow space between the buildings and then noticed the ornate street entrance. Next thing you know I was running across the street to check it out. As luck would have it the door was open and I had found another hidden gem.
This is the block with the Newman University Church. Do you see a church on this street? If you guessed where the pillars are that would be wrong.
It is easy to miss the Church's narrow street entrance
Wonderful light floods the church as you enter.
The grand altar
History
Ornamentation
Every pillar has a different message
Ornamentation is everywhere
Found this gem in a dark corner
Ceiling of hallway entrance to the church
The actual church ceiling is very unique with is wall paper like decoration.
The walls of the church are like huge paintings
Close up of paintings
Newman Who?
Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman was born in London on February 21, 1801 and died in Birmingham on August 11, 1890. He was a major figure in the Oxford Movement which exploited the possibility of bringing the Church of England back to its Catholic roots.
Ultimately his study of ecclesiastical history influenced him to become a Catholic in 1945. He later brought the Oratory of St. Philip Neri to England. He became the first Rector of the Catholic University in Dublin and was named a Cardinal by Pope Leo XIII in 1879.
Through his extensive published writings and private correspondence, he created a greater understanding of the Catholic Church and its teachings, helping many with their religious difficulties. At his death, he was praised for his unworldliness, humility and prayer. He was declared Venerable on January 21, 1991 and on September 20, 2010 Pope Benedict XVI beatified John Henry Cardinal Newman.
Last Word
Dublin is well know for its churches, there seems to be on on every other block. It even has a Cathedral District where St. Patrick's Cathedral is located and the Christ Church Cathedral in the Viking/Medieval area. But for my money (free) the Newman University Church, which isn't on any of my maps, is every bit as interesting and perhaps more unique then Dublin's famous duo.
By Richard White, October 8th 2014.
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