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I had the privilege of speaking with Sr. Mary Catherine Blanding! She has written a book about Saint John Henry Newman, one of my favorite Saints! Join us as we talk about why she chose him to write a book about! 

A very sweet note from Sr. Mary Catherine Blanding, IHM:

When I looked up the publication date of my book, I discovered it was released on May 24, the Feast of Our Lady, Mother of the Church. Though that greatly consoled me, I was mistaken when I mentioned that it was the feast of St. Philip Neri. I still believe St. John Henry is “coaching” me!

If any of your listeners would like to learn more about either our Sisters or St. John Henry Newman, these resources may be helpful:

• Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Wichita: IHMsistersofWichita
• Heart Speaks to Heart: HeartSpeakstoHeart

The blog includes a history of our Lovers of Newman group, along with reflections that individuals or groups may use in pondering or discussing St. John Henry’s sermons.

Sister Mary Catherine Blanding’s St. John Henry Newman: A Doctor of the Church for Our Time presents a compelling and deeply pastoral introduction to one of the most influential Catholic thinkers of the modern era. Drawing from Newman’s sermons, spiritual writings, and personal journey of conversion, Blanding reveals why Newman continues to speak powerfully to contemporary believers confronting doubt, secularism, loneliness, and the search for holiness. Both intellectually rich and spiritually accessible, the work serves as a guide to prayer, conscience, divine providence, and authentic Christian transformation.