Loss and Gain: The Story of a Convert

John Henry Newman (21 February 1801 - 11 August 1890) was an English theologian and poet. His major writings include the Tracts for the Times, his autobiography Apologia Pro Vita Sua, the Grammar of Assent, and the poem "The Dream of Gerontius." He also wrote the popular hymns "Lead, Kindly Light," "Firmly I believe, and truly," and "Praise to the Holiest in the Height."Newman was a controversial figure in the religious history of England, being one of the leaders of the Oxford Movement, an influential and controversial group of Anglicans who wanted the Church of England to bring back many beliefs and rituals from before the English Reformation. The movement was somewhat successful and in 1845 Newman, joined by some of his followers, left his position as the vicar at St. Mary's, Oxford, and was received by the Catholic Church. In 1879, he was created a cardinal by Pope Leo XIII in recognition of his services to the cause of the Catholic Church in England and was canonised as a saint in 2019.