The New Student's Reference Work/Wiseman, Nicholas

Wise′man, Nicholas, cardinal and Roman Catholic archbishop of Westminster, was born at Seville, Spain, of Irish parents, Aug 2, 1802. He studied in Ireland and at Rome, where his brilliant course secured him in 1823 the appointment of vice-rector of the English College, which in 1828 was changed to rector. In England he first became known by lectures on the doctrines of the Roman church, which were followed by the founding with Mr. O'Connell of The Dublin Review. His appointment as archbishop of Westminster and cardinal produced great excitement, as it was looked upon as an effort of the Roman church to recover possession of England, where there had been no Roman Catholic bishops since the reign of Elizabeth. Wiseman's addresses and publications did much to allay the excitement, and his ability and moderation as well as his literary position won the admiration of all. He wrote on literature and art besides his religious works. Influence of Words, Lectures on Religion and Science, Points of Contact between Science and Art, Fabiola and The Real Presence were books that obtained a large circulation. He died at London on Feb. 15, 1865.