The Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman is frequently quoted throughout the western world as a guardian of truth in an increasingly secular materialistic society that accepts that “anything goes”.

The Archbishop of Birmingham, Vincent Nichols, quoted the English cardinal during a homily at a Mass to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Newman University College, Birmingham, and the anniversary of the birth of the Venerable John Henry Cardinal Newman in London on February 21, 1801.

Archbishop Vincent Nichols, who was the principal concelebrant at the Mass held in the chapel at Newman University College, on February 21, emphasised that: “Two of the great figures of Catholic education, Augustine of Hippo and Cardinal John Henry Newman, both engaged in a great quest for truth and for freedom.”

The Archbishop, who is Chairman of the Catholic Education Service of the Bishop's Conference of England and Wales, said: “Today we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Cardinal John Henry Newman and rejoice in the rapidly growing recognition of his wisdom and holiness. Throughout his long life, he consistently followed this inner search for the truth of God as the foundation of all his decisions.

“Some of the things he had to say relate to us directly today. He foresaw the challenge that we face: of living in an age which proclaims that really there is no such thing as truth. Our age tells us that beyond what each person sees or decides for herself or himself there is nothing more to be known.

“Speaking on May 12, 1879 Cardinal Newman described this new growing phenomena, this 'culture' which proclaims, in his words, that 'there is no positive truth in religion; one creed is as good as another; all are to be tolerated for all are matters of opinion. Rather it is the right of each individual to make religion say just what strikes his fancy'. These words of Cardinal Newman from 1879 are so relevant to us today.”

The Archbishop, who is Chair of Governors of Newman University College, said: “So our search for truth, and our commitment to that search, is crucial: it is crucial for the quality of education that we offer; it’s crucial for the health of our society. Only an understanding of the fundamental unchanging truth about what it is to be a human person can be the foundation of our true freedom. Only with such freedom can we follow the pathway of this search for truth.”

Archbishop Nichols stressed that: “Newman University College stands in the great tradition of Catholic institutions dedicated to education. Yet being a Catholic institution brings with it some difficulties. Nowadays there is some suspicion that faith in God and education do not go well together.”

He added: “The view is abroad that faith undermines education. That, of course, is a blinkered and often prejudiced point of view. It certainly betrays an ignorance of the true nature of faith, because it casts faith as no more than superstition; and it also betrays an ignorance of what education truly is, because it casts education as no more than the acquiring of competence and skills to serve a technological age. But both faith and education are far more than that and in fact they go well together.”

Archbishop Vincent Nichols concluded: “This evening we thank the Lord for guiding this College through these forty years of its history. We ask his blessing on the next years under the gracious patronage of John Henry Newman.”

Peter Jennings, is a Catholic journalist, writer and broadcaster.