Page 21 - The Portal magazine - February 2025

THE P RTAL February 2025 Page 21

Newman: a living psalm

Fr Peter Conley

ITH THE exuberance of a youthful Anglican clergyman, and naturally excited newly appointed
Wtutor at Oriel College, Oxford, Newman ponders the impact that personal influence has had upon his
life so far:
I am a harp of many chords, and each edge” duets by Viotti, were all appreciated by him. As an
Strung by a separate hand; most musical Anglican vicar Newman coached adults and children to
My notes discoursing with the mental sense, sing in Littlemore and as a Catholic priest, influenced
Not the outward ear. Try them, they will reply the Oratorian tradition and integrated popular cultural
With wisdom, fancy, graceful gaiety, tunes with Latin hymn words, for the ease of parishioner
Or ready wit, or happy sentiment. participation. For Newman:
Come, add a string to my assortment of sounds;
Widen the compass of my harmony; Music’s emotive power over us lies in its origin from
And join thyself in fellowship of name the ‘outpourings of eternal harmony.’ The ‘created
With those, whose courteous labour and fair gifts sound’ of music is capable of arousing such powerful
Have given me voice, and made me what I am reactions in us because we recognise these ‘echoes from
(Introduction to an Album, Brighton. April, 1827) our Home’ in what we can hear, albeit in a way which
transcends our powers fully to comprehend, much less
Family, friends, relations and numerous contemporaries to explain. (Guy Nicholls in Unearthly Beauty - The
of Newman were, through God’s providence, instrumental Aesthetics of St John Henry Newman, 2019, p136).
in his human development: personally and spiritually.
Growing up, immersed in a musical atmosphere of Newman’s favourite prayer book was The Psalms
sisters Jemima and Mary on piano, and brothers Frank because they reflect the spectrum of religious emotions.
and Charles forming trios with him on violin, helped No wonder he chose to liken himself to an instrument
shape the contours of his thinking about the melody of designed to direct their expression into tuneful praise
living. Beethoven was Newman’s favourite composer, of God. Newman imagined himself to be a ‘Human
but Haydn, Mozart and, as his diaries reveal, “cutting Harp’ played by the risen Lord.

Padova and the Basilica of Sant’Antonio ... continued from page 17

in his name through the work of many modern day solemnity of the main body of the basilica is enhanced
Friars including those based at the Basilica of St through Donatello’s crucifix dating to 1446.
Anthony. They provide pastoral support to the many
pilgrims who visit the shrine as well as engaging in The basilica is a very special place and stands firm as
outreach both locally and further afield. a sign of the beauty of God and our human witness to
his greatness. Let us give thanks to the friars, staff and
The friars have the immense privilege and volunteers who keep the memory of St Anthony alive,
responsibility of being the custodians of St Anthony’s allow his relics to be venerated and his message shared
relics and sharing his message with all who visit this and offer a sign of hope in what is an ever challenging
wonderful place, they do so with great solemnity and and secular world.
cheer. In this modern day digital age the friars are also
active on the internet, enabling their outreach work to Almighty everliving God, who gave Saint Anthony
reach all corners of the globe. of Padua to your people as an outstanding preacher
and an intercessor in their need, grant that, with his
At the Basilica of Saint Anthony, pilgrims can assistance, as we follow the teachings of the Christian
immerse themselves in the beauty of the surroundings life, we may know your help in every trial. Through
and give glory to God through following the pilgrimage our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns
path. Pilgrims can also learn more about St Anthony with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever
through the educational opportunities, engage with and ever. (Collect for the feast of St Anthony)
the sacred liturgies and pray at the tomb of the saint.
The Treasury, which is baroque in style, houses a vast For more information on the Basilica visit:
range of treasures associated with St Anthony and the www.santantonio.org/it/basilica