At a time of media oversaturation, artificial intelligence, and growing concern about our capacity for sustained attention, this lecture asks what Newman’s example might offer us today. How can Catholics read more deeply, communicate more thoughtfully, and use the written word in the service of evangelisation... without losing sight of the personal relationships through which faith is ultimately shared?

In the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom’s inaugural Newman Lecture, Br Alexander Bailey, CO, explores Newman’s remarkable engagement with the media of his day: from his mischievous beginnings in student journalism and the Tracts for the Times, to Catholic periodicals, pamphlets, education and the writing of the Apologia.

Newman understood that the medium matters. He wrote in different forms for different audiences, while consistently calling his readers beyond passing sensation and polemic towards deeper thought, genuine understanding and personal formation.

Recorded at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Soho, on the Feast of St John Henry Newman, 9th October 2026.

The Guild of Our Lady of Ransom supports works of Catholic evangelisation across England and Wales through grants, events and a growing network of members, working for the renewal of the Church and the conversion of our lands.

Find out more about the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom and support our work or find out about our Lectures: guild-ransom.co.uk