Founded in 1948 Cardinal Newman College stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Irish immigrant community in Argentina. Its very existence is a story of perseverance. For years this community strived to establish a pastoral and educational ministry supported by the Irish Catholic Church. Early attempts to establish such a school faltered. The Christian Brothers an Irish order were initially too busy in the US Australia and New Zealand. It wasn’t until 1946 when Father Dominic Moore a Passionist priest intervened. He convinced the Christian Brothers in Dublin to establish a school in Argentina.
In November 1947 Brothers Joseph Ignatius Doorley and Cornelius O’Reilly arrived in Buenos Aires. They found a suitable building on Belgrano 1548. They named this new school after Cardinal Newman. Imagine the excitement on March 29 1948 as Colegio Cardenal Newman opened its doors. The school followed the national education program in Spanish in the mornings. The afternoons were devoted to English lessons. Brother Alphonsus L Pakenham the first Rector oversaw seven brothers eight lay teachers and 148 students. Twenty-seven of them were boarders.
Cardinal Newman College quickly grew in popularity. By 1949 the student body had swelled to 200 boys. There would have been more if there had been more space. The Christian Brothers fostered a love for rugby. This passion eventually led to the founding of Club Newman in 1975. This club has deep ties to the college. Its members are mostly alumni and their families.
In 1971 Cardinal Newman College relocated to its current spacious campus in San Isidro. The move provided ample room for classes extracurricular activities and sports. Rugby remained a cornerstone of the college’s identity. The college remained an all-boys school for many years but in 2021 it made the significant decision to become co-educational.
Cardinal Newman College’s bilingual Catholic education and high tuition fees have made it an elite school. It is considered one of the most expensive private schools in Argentina. It boasts a distinguished list of alumni including former Argentinian President Mauricio Macri. Many of his cabinet members were also Newman alumni. This fact has led to both praise and criticism. The school’s legacy is complex a blend of academic excellence athletic achievement and unfortunately allegations of past sexual abuse. It stands today however as a significant institution in Argentinian history. Its doors continue to open to new generations of students. Each student carries forward its unique legacy. They carry it into the future.