Introduction to...
Heart Speaks to Heart, Cor ad Cor Loquitur, (Latin translation)
Introduction to...
Heart Speaks to Heart, Cor ad Cor Loquitur, (Latin translation)
By Sister Mary Catherine Blanding, IHM,
author of a forthcoming book on St. John Henry Newman.
St. John Henry Newman, widely recognized as a future Doctor of the Church by bishops from England, the U.S., Ireland, and Wales, chose Cor ad cor loquitur—‘Heart Speaks to Heart’—as his cardinalate motto. Although not original to him, the phrase was first used by St. Francis de Sales in a letter to a spiritual directee.
Many interpret this phrase as Jesus’ Sacred Heart whispering to our heart, or my heart reaching out to the heart of another. It is also plausible that Newman saw this phrase as referring to the Immaculate Heart of Mary speaking to each of our hearts.
Even as an Anglican, St. John Henry cherished a devotion to Mary—a devotion that deepened when he became Catholic. He went on to compose the acclaimed “Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and wrote meditations on each of her titles.
We IHMs see St. John Henry as a true son of Our Lady. With this in mind, we present some monthly guidance in reading his sermons, where St. John Henry’s heart speaks to each of us.
Why focus on St. John Henry Newman? Aren’t there other saints to promote? In an era of widespread infidelity—which he foresaw in the 19th century—Newman makes the Faith tangible, personal, and relevant. Like a spring gushing from a rock, he revives what once seemed dry. He speaks to the hidden depths of each soul..
Pope Benedict XVI pointed to three elements making John Henry Newman a man for our times:
1) the modernity of existence, with all the doubts and problems of our existence today,
2) his great culture, knowledge of the great cultural treasures of mankind, his constant quest for the truth,
3) continuous renewal and spirituality: spiritual life, life with God,
The late pope continued: (these three elements) give this man an exceptional greatness for our time. Therefore, he is That is why he is like a Doctor of the Church for us and for all….[1]
How can we not write about St. John Henry Newman?
Each month, we will present a short synopsis of a sermon with guided reading questions, points to ponder and personal reflection questions. You are in our hearts as St. John Henry speaks to your heart.
[1]Pope Benedict XVI “Interview of the Holy Father Benedict XVI with the journalists during the flight to the United Kingdom” The Holy See, September 16, 2010, https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/speeches/2010/september/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20100916_interv-regno-unito.html.