One step closer:

Cardinal John Henry Newman’s cause for sainthood will take a significant step forward Nov. 9, with the formal closure of the diocesan phase of an investigation into a miracle in Boston attributed to the 19th century English theologian.

The Boston archdiocese has been responsible for the study, which focuses on the healing of an American deacon with severe chronic spinal problems. Fr. Paul Chavesse, provost of the Birmingham Oratory in England, which Newman founded, and postulator of the cause, will travel to Boston for the occasion, along with Peter Jennings, a longtime stalwart of church communications in England and the spokesperson for Newman’s cause.

If authenticated in Rome, the miracle would clear the way for Newman’s beatification. A subsequent miracle would be necessary for canonization.