Dominic Barberi (1792-1849) contributed to conversion of John Henry Newman

Dominic is best remembered for his part in St. John Henry Newman’s conversion. He is also commemorated for his work in his efforts to return England to the Catholic faith in the 19th Century.

He entered the Passionist Order, about 1814 as a lay brother and in 1818 he was ordained a priest. He lectured and taught at several places in Italy up until 1841 (20+years) when his wish to work in England as a missionary became a reality. During this period he had produced many theological and philosophical works.

He arrived in Folkestone in October 1841 - a little Italian priest in ‘comical’ attire. In February 1842 he secured possession of Aston Hall, Staffordshire. for the Passionists in England.

In October 1845 he received ( St. ) John Henry Newman into the Roman Catholic Church.
Dominic visited Littlemore where Newman made his confession to him.
(Newman relates in his ‘Apologia’ how Barberi arrived soaked from rain and as he was drying Newman knelt down and asked to be received into the Catholic Church.)

On 27th August 1849 he suffered a fatal heart attack on the train at Pangbourne, just outside Reading. Dominic is buried in St. Anne and Blessed Dominic Church, Sutton, Merseyside.

By the time of his death in 1849 he had established 3 Passsionist houses and several chapels in England. He had preached innumerable sermons and received 100s of converts.

In 1963 he was beatified by the RC church.
Rest in peace
Blessed Dominic Barberi

Source
Wikipedia