The Newman Gallery at St Margaret Mary Church will be completed within the next few weeks.

It is a large room for catechesis, exploration of the faith and support to the community - for example toddler groups, the bereaved and the lonely. There is facility for projection and a mini cafe.

The idea for the facility germinated nearly three years ago and with prayers and some good parish fundraising – with support from the Archdiocese development team, the Art and Architecture Committee and Tim Richardson (architect) – have enabled the vision to flourish and transformed a derelict organ loft into a multi-purpose space, without adding to the carbon footprint.

Some say why Newman? Most obviously because at the heart of the room will be a mural of Newman's encounter with Dominic Barberi.

This is significant because Newman would have walked through the parish on his way to Oscott and Maryvale.

Furthermore, the Irish history of the parish may help us to remember Newman's work helping to found the Catholic University of Dublin.

Finally, members of the Ordinariate have Newman as a patron.

In this year of his expected canonisation, we are grateful that something of Newman's life and witness will be living within the parish.

Cor ad cor loquitur. Heart speaks to heart.