British Cardinal John Henry Newman to be canonised
The Education Minister is to attend the canonisation ceremony of UCD founder, Cardinal John Henry Newman in Rome today.
Joe McHugh is in the Italian capital for a series of engagements.
Founder of UCD, Cardinal John Henry Newman was the college's first rector and president when it was founded as the Catholic University of Ireland.
Minister Joe McHugh will represent the Taoiseach and the Government at his canonisation.
Cardinal Newman served as the university's first rector between 1854 and 1858 and was also recognised as a poet, philosopher and historian.
Most new saints must have performed two miracles — usually healings that cannot be scientifically explained, attributed to prayers made to the late candidate.
John Henryl Newman is credited with curing an American man from Boston with a spinal disorder, who claimed in 2001 he could suddenly walk again after praying to the British cardinal.
His second miracle is the inexplicable healing of a woman with a “life-threatening pregnancy” and was approved this year.
Minister Joe McHugh has a number of engagements while in Rome, including a reception at the Urbania Pontifical University attended by Prince Charles and a number of British dignitaries.
Minister McHugh will meet Pope Francis in St Peter's Basilica for a brief meeting before today's ceremony.
