International Recognition for Father Peter’s Newman Podcasts

15 September 2011

Our podcast series on Cardinal John Henry Newman has received an international prize.

Pope Benedict XVI came to England to beatify a great Englishman - John Henry Newman. But how could this fascinating and intriguing character be introduced to people who might know little about him? By the man who had followed in footsteps.

Father Peter Cornwell - one of our priests living in Bath - has walked in Newman’s shoes and spoken from Newman’s pulpit - being a former Vicar of Newman’s old church in Oxford - the University Church of St Mary the Virgin.

Newman’s journey from a vicar in the Church of England to a Catholic priest is one which Father Peter took - albeit many years after predecessor. That shared journey and their pastoral connection in Oxford allowed Father Peter to authentically tell the story of the man the Holy Father was coming to beatify.

With engaging authenticity and gentle warm authority Father Peter gives listeners a compelling, amusing and not all together painless insight into Newman’s complex character. All the while Father Peter demystifies the process that Newman was about to undergo - the beatification and his ongoing journey to sainthood.

An episode was published each day in the week leading up to the Pope’s historic visit.

The series was also broadcast by BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Somerset.

Since the series was published Father Peter has been presented with New York Festivals finalist award winner certificate. The certificate reads: “Upon being judged by an international panel on the world’s best creative professionals, this honour is bestowed on those listed below. Congratulations.”

The New York Festivals is dedicated to searching out and rewarding the world’s best work.  Each competition represents the best in communications the world has to offer.

The series is also on the shortlist to win the internet audio award at the Jerusalem Awards - the announcement for this prize takes place at the Royal Academy in London next month.