That familiar line from “Seinfeld” seems apt, as the Vatican prepares to welcome the beatification of that other Newman, John Henry.

From Whispers:

A panel of theological consultors agreed unanimously that the inexplicable healing of an American man who was “bent double” by a severe spinal disorder came as a result of praying to Newman for a miracle, according to sources. Their decision was the final hurdle before Pope Benedict XVI can declare him “Blessed”.

The Pope, who is known to be keen to make Newman a saint and who asks about the progress of his cause on a regular basis, was informed of the panel’s decision straight away.

The vote means that the Pope can now beatify Newman at a date of his choosing. A second miracle will be required before Newman can be declared a saint.

The move was welcomed by Oxford University theologian Father Ian Ker, the author of the definitive biography of Cardinal Newman.

Father Ker said: “Newman was definitely a saint and he was a very English saint. He had a great sense of humour like St Thomas More.

“He also had a great gift for friendship which has been lost in the modern age.” The priest said Newman was a significant figure to Catholics worldwide because he pre-empted the reforms of the Second Vatican Council of the 1960s that modernised the Church.

Father Ker added: “As soon as he is canonised he will definitely be made a theological “doctor of the Church” and he will be seen as a doctor of this period we are living in.

“He would thoroughly agree with Pope John Paul II’s and Benedict’s understanding of the reforms of the council. While Newman was open to new ideas he was extremely loyal to the authority and the tradition of the Church.”

A formal announcement by the Vatican on Newman’s beatification is expected within the next two months.

What isn’t mentioned here is that the confirmed miracle involved the healing of a deacon, Jack Sullivan, from Marshfield, Massachusetts.